A Randomized Controlled Trial of Gabor-Based Perceptual Learning for Adult Amblyopia

This study is initiated and conducted by the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention andTreatment Center / Shanghai Eye Hospital. Many people once believed that amblyopia(commonly known as "lazy eye") could only be treated during childhood (the criticalperiod of visual development) and that nothing could be done once we reached adulthood.However, modern visual science research has revealed that the adult visual cortex stillretains a certain degree of "neuroplasticity" (the brain's ability to reorganize, learn,and adapt). The Gabor target training used in this study‐powered by RevitalVisionsoftware‐is a scientifically proven visual training program. By repeatedly performingvisual tasks near your perception threshold on a computer screen, this training exercisesyour eye‐brain coordination, helping your brain process visual information much moreefficiently.To help you and your family participate with peace of mind, we have compiled thefollowing answers to frequently asked questions:Q1: How will I participate in this study? What is the difference between the two groups?To scientifically compare the training's effectiveness, this study uses a rigorousrandomized controlled design. A total of 80 eligible participants will be randomlyassigned by a computer program in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups:Immediate Training Group:You will begin the 12‐week home‐based Gabor visual training right after randomization.Your study participation ends after your Week 12 follow‐up.Delayed Training Group:During the first 12 weeks after randomization, you will simply wear your prescribedglasses and go about your daily life without active visual training.After completing your Week 12 eye evaluation, you will receive the exact same 12‐weekGabor visual training for free (conducted from Week 12 to Week 24).Please be assured: No matter which group you are assigned to, every eligible participantwill ultimately receive the exact same 12‐week professional visual training. This"delayed treatment" design is highly ethical. It ensures everyone gets treated whileallowing us to compare the two groups transitionally during the first 12 weeks, therebyruling out other factors like "getting used to the vision charts" or "gradually adjustingto new glasses".Q2: How is the visual training performed? Is it difficult to do at home?The training is fully home‐based, meaning you do not need to visit the hospitalconstantly. However, it requires your dedication and, ideally, supervision from yourfamily:Training Tools: You will use the specialized RevitalVision perceptual learning softwareon a calibrated computer monitor.Training Environment: The training should be done in a dark or standard low‐light room.Your only main light source should be the computer screen, and you will sit exactly 1.5meters away.Glasses & Patching: You must wear your prescribed study glasses during training. If youhave monocular (one‐sided) amblyopia, you will need to patch your stronger eye (non‐studyeye), using only your weaker eye (amblyopia eye) to view the screen.Frequency & Duration: You will train 4 times a week, for about 30 minutes per session,over a continuous span of 12 weeks. The software is adaptive: it automatically adjuststhe difficulty of your next session based on your performance to keep you at your optimaltraining zone.Q3: What do I need to do at the hospital during the study?Your safety and visual health are our top priorities. We will provide meticulous,standardized eye examinations throughout the study:Before the training begins, you will go through an 8‐ to 12‐week "Refractive StabilityPhase". During this time, we will perform cycloplegic refraction (dilation) and prescribeyour glasses, checking your vision multiple times to ensure your baseline sight iscompletely stable.During the study, you will only need to visit the clinic for follow‐ups at Weeks 6 and 12(the Delayed Group will also have visits at Weeks 18 and 24).At these visits, our examiners (who do not know which group you are in to ensureobjectivity) will measure your vision using standard ETDRS charts, evaluate your contrastsensitivity (using the computerized FrACT test), assess your stereoacuity (3D vision),and capture advanced 3D structural scans of your retina and choroid using Swept‐SourceOCT.Q4: Is the training safe? What if my vision gets worse? The visual training is entirelyphysical and non‐invasive, with an excellent safety record.In very rare cases, some participants might experience mild, temporary eye strain,headaches, or slight discomfort when they first start training.Double‐Safety & Rescue Protocols: We have set strict "rescue criteria". If at any pointduring your observation or training, your vision drops significantly or if you experiencepersistent double vision, we will immediately initiate a professional assessment. Ifnecessary, we will halt the training and provide standard clinical medical care.