Viewing movies as treatment for amblyopia in children

Video Treatment for Amblyopia

Not applicable Interventional Retina Foundation of the Southwest · NCT05439200

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorRetina Foundation of the Southwest Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05439200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 8 years diagnosed with strabismic, anisometropic, or combined mechanism amblyopia.

Not a fit: Patients with significant coexisting ocular or systemic diseases, developmental delays, or severe strabismus may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Amblyopia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.