Viewing movies as treatment for amblyopia in children
Official title: Video Treatment for Amblyopia
Run by Retina Foundation of the Southwest · NCT05439200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if watching special movies can help young children with amblyopia see better compared to using a patch on their eye.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 7 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Retina Foundation of the Southwest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 23, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05439200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 8 years diagnosed with strabismic, anisometropic, or combined mechanism amblyopia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant coexisting ocular or systemic diseases, developmental delays, or severe strabismus may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of viewing asynchronous movies as a treatment for amblyopia in young children compared to traditional occlusion therapy using an adhesive patch. The study involves a randomized allocation of participants to either the movie treatment or standard patching, with assessments of visual acuity, adherence, and quality of life conducted at multiple time points. Children aged 3 to 8 years with specific types of amblyopia will be recruited, and their progress will be monitored over a 6-week period, with options for extended participation. The primary outcome will focus on improvements in visual acuity in the amblyopic eye.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more engaging and effective treatment option for children with amblyopia, potentially improving adherence and visual outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of movies as a treatment for amblyopia is a novel approach, similar studies exploring alternative therapies have shown promise in improving adherence and outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 3-7 years * male and female * strabismic, anisometropic, or combined mechanism amblyopia (visual acuity 0.3-0.8 logMAR) * interocular visual acuity difference ≥0.3 logMAR * wearing glasses (if needed) for a minimum of 8 weeks with no change in visual acuity at 2 visits ≥4 weeks apart * child's ophthalmologist and family willing to forgo standard patching treatment during the study Exclusion Criteria: * prematurity ≥8 wk * coexisting ocular or systemic disease * developmental delay * strabismus \>5 pd * myopia \> -3.00D
Where it's running
-
Retina Foundation
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eileen E Birch, PhD
- Email: ebirch@retinafoundation.org
- Phone: 2143633911
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Psilocybin-assisted therapy to help adults with amblyopia see more clearly
This study tests whether a single or small doses of psilocybin can boost the effectiveness of amblyopia treatment in adults.
-
Augmented Reality Binocular Therapy for Adult Amblyopia
This trial tests a home-based augmented reality binocular therapy to see if it improves vision in adults 18–40 with anisometropic amblyopia, compared with placebo training.
-
Gabor-based visual training for adults with amblyopia
This study tests a computer-based Gabor training program to see if it can improve vision in adults aged 18–39 with amblyopia due to anisometropia or strabismus.
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Noninvasive brain stimulation plus augmented reality vision therapy for anisometropic amblyopia in adults
This trial tests whether adding HD-tDCS to AR-based dichoptic therapy can improve vision in adults with anisometropic amblyopia.
-
tDCS for paediatric amblyopia
This study tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) can improve vision for children aged 4–14 with amblyopia who didn’t get enough help from patching.
-
Gamified visual training with occlusion for kids with anisometropic amblyopia
This trial tests two kid-friendly digital games plus patching to see if they improve vision and motivation in children aged 4–7 with anisometropic amblyopia compared with patching alone.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.