Vision therapy for children with intermittent exotropia

A Pilot Randomized Trial Evaluating Short-Term Effectiveness of Vision Therapy in Children With Intermittent Exotropia

Not applicable Interventional Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University · NCT04487249

This study is testing if vision therapy can help children aged 8 to 16 with intermittent exotropia see better at a distance compared to just watching and waiting.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorSouthern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04487249 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial compares the effectiveness of vision therapy to observation in controlling distance intermittent exotropia in children aged 8 to 16 years. The study aims to assess the short-term effectiveness of vision therapy over a 20-week period and evaluate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants for a larger trial. By addressing the gaps in existing research, this pilot trial will provide crucial data to inform future studies on the long-term effectiveness of vision therapy for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 16 years with specific criteria for intermittent exotropia.

Not a fit: Patients who have received recent treatment for intermittent exotropia or amblyopia, or those who have undergone prior vision therapy, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for children suffering from intermittent exotropia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on vision therapy for intermittent exotropia have been limited, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Major Inclusion Criteria-

* Age 8 - 16 years
* Intermittent exotropia meeting all of the following:

  * Distance exodeviation of 15∆ to 35∆ by prism alternating cover test (PACT)
  * IXT, exophoria, or orthophoria at near
  * Near exodeviation that does not exceed the distance exodeviation by more than 10∆
  * Mean distance control score of 2 points or more with at least one measure being 3 points or higher
  * Mean near control score less than 5 points
* Random dot stereopsis of 200" or better on Preschool Randot Stereotest
* Willingness to accept randomization and no plan to relocate in the next 6 months

Major Exclusion Criteria-

* Treatment for IXT or amblyopia (other than refractive correction) within 3 months prior to enrollment
* Office-based vision therapy for IXT within 6 months prior to enrollment
* Prior office-based vision therapy for IXT of ≥10 sessions
* Prior strabismus, intraocular, or refractive surgery (including BOTOX injection)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 5 other locations

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 Intermittent ExotropiaVision Therapy
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.