Exploring Perceptual Learning in Blurred Gabor Discrimination for Low-Myopic Children
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: vision training system, VTS.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Myopia, Visual Rehabilitation, Perceptual Learning. Basic parameters: 6 years — 10 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Taiwan
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Investigating the Efficacy of Perceptual Learning in Blurred Gabor Discrimination Among Children With Low Myopia: An Exploratory Study
Overview
This exploratory study investigates whether perceptual learning using blurred Gabor stimuli can improve uncorrected distance visual acuity in children aged 6-10 years with low myopia. Participants will be randomly assigned to a training group or control group. The training group will undergo individualized visual perceptual learning through a digital Vision Training System (VTS) for approximately 3 months. The study will also evaluate changes in refraction, contrast sensitivity, visual crowding, Chinese reading acuity with eye movements, and sweep visual evoked potentials (sVEPs).
Detailed description
Perceptual learning (PL) is a non-invasive approach that enhances visual function through repeated visual tasks. Prior studies have demonstrated its potential in treating amblyopia and age-related visual decline. However, its application in children with low myopia remains underexplored.
This study has two main objectives:
To examine the effect of perceptual learning using blurred Gabor stimuli on uncorrected distance visual acuity in children with low myopia.
To investigate whether such training also improves refraction, contrast sensitivity, visual crowding, reading vision with eye movement patterns, and sweep visual evoked potentials (sVEPs).
Thirty children aged 6-10 years with spherical equivalent refractive errors between -0.50 and -1.25 diopters (including ≤ -0.75 diopters of astigmatism) will be enrolled. Participants will be randomized into a training group or control group. The training group will undergo approximately 20 sessions of individualized visual perceptual learning using the Vision Training System (VTS), developed in collaboration with Bar Ilan University.
Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, and at follow-up points up to 12 months. Measures include visual acuity, refractive status, contrast sensitivity (CSV-1000E), crowding acuity (FrACT), Chinese reading visual acuity (with Tobii eye tracking), and sVEPs.
Interventions
- Behavioral vision training system, VTS
Participants in this group will receive individualized visual perceptual learning using the Vision Training System (VTS). The training involves blurred Gabor stimuli presented via a computer-based application. Each participant will complete approximately 20 training sessions over 3 months, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes, conducted twice per week. The program is designed to enhance uncorrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and other visual functions by engaging neural mechanism
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
Secondary outcome measures (5)
- Change in Spherical Equivalent Refraction (Diopters) From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
- Change in Contrast Sensitivity Across Spatial Frequencies From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
- Change in Visual Crowding Acuity From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
- Change in Reading Visual Acuity and Eye Movement Parameters From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
- Change in Visual Acuity Measured by Sweep Visual Evoked Potentials (sVEP) From Baseline [Time frame: From enrollment to 12 months after completion of the 3-month training program]
Eligibility criteria
Experimental and Control Group
Inclusion criteria
- Children aged between 6 to 10 years.
- Best corrected distance visual acuity of 6/6 or 0.00 logMAR.
- Diagnosed with low myopia after a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, with a spherical equivalent refractive error ranging from -0.50 to -1.25 diopters, including up to -0.75 diopters of astigmatism.
- Not currently undergoing any of the four standard myopia control treatments for children:
- Atropine (mydriatic agent)
- Orthokeratology
- Peripheral defocus soft contact lenses
- Peripheral defocus spectacle lenses (frame glasses)
- Willing and able to provide informed consent, and able to comply with study procedures and assessments.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they have any of the following ophthalmologic conditions:
- Strabismus
- Binocular vision problems
- Ocular diseases
- History of ocular surgery (excluding refractive surgery)
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Taiwan · 1 center
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University — Taipei
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07107646 · 202504046RIND