Evolution of visual acuity in patients with amblyopia using 3D glasses systems
In this pilot study, the University Hospital of Nottingham sought to measure the evolution of visual acuity in patients with anisometropic, strabismic and mixed amblyopia. The system uses 3D glasses to watch videos or games on a conventional monitor.
Shutter glasses work by alternately shutting off the left and right eyes so that only one eye can see the screen at any one time. This happens so fast that the brain doesn't realize that each eye is being stimulated separately and the viewer doesn't experience any blinking.
The system is synchronized with the 3D glasses so that each eye only sees the image intended for that eye. The patient wears the shutter glasses and the software will provide more information to the lazy eye when watching a DVD or a video game.
The method used in the pilot study consisted of 30 minutes of treatment, which was administered once a week for 6 weeks. Treatment sessions consisted of playing a computer game and watching a DVD through the system. Visual acuity was assessed at baseline, mid-treatment (3 weeks) and at the end of treatment (6 weeks). It was also evaluated at 4 weeks after treatment. Standard summary statistics and a one-way exploratory analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed.
Data from the study on the evolution of visual acuity in amblyopia patients using 3D glasses systems
10 patients were included in the pilot study, with strabismic, anisometropic or mixed amblyopia. The mean age was 5,4 years.
- Nine patients (90%) completed the full course of treatment with this system with a mean improvement of 0.18 with 95% confidence.
- Six of nine patients (67%) who completed treatment showed a clinically significant improvement of 0,125 LogMAR units or more at follow-up.
- In the review 4 weeks after stopping the training, an improvement in visual acuity was still observed with respect to the evaluation before starting the study.
This small pilot study demonstrates that dichoptic stimulation technology in patients with amblyopia anisometropic, strabismus or mixed is very promising to help in vision recovery therapies.
There are different options when it comes to treating a lazy eye. At our next blog post you can meet them
We also recommend that you subscribe to our blog to keep up to date with our news and receive exclusive offers.