The authors previously conducted a feasibility study examining the potential benefit of a self-administered at-home use of a tablet-based perceptual learning (PL) game. Visual stimuli were presented in various orientations and spatial frequency in a game-play format. This study evaluates the use of the game when tested monocularly (patching the fellow eye) and binocularly (using polarised glasses that allows only the amblyopic eye to see the images on screen while both eyes can see the screen surrounds). The study recruited 30 participants and 25 completed the study involving two eight-week treatment periods. Participants were divided into 20 with monocular PL treatment, 20 binocular PL treatment and 10 with patching treatment. Only low contrast acuity of the amblyopic eye increased significantly from 12.9 to 16.6 letters with any of the three treatments. Age was a significant factor in the monocular PL group; older children performed better. Binocular PL treatment improved reading speed and binocular summation score for those with good compliance but not for poor compliance. The authors acknowledge their small sample size. This was a pilot study and future studies need to consider user feedback such as children and parent views on game enjoyment and perceived value, plus compliance, success measures and incentives with progress through the game, and various designs versus different age groups.
Perceptual learning treatment for amblyopia
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Short-term perceptual learning game does not improve patching-resistant amblyopia in older children.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
View Full Profile
