Perceptual Learning for Improvement of Visual Function in Amblyopic Children: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the multimedia visual perceptual learning system for improving visual acuity in pediatric patients with amblyopia and to discuss factors influencing the therapeutic effects of perceptual learning. Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. Amblyopic children aged from 3 to 11 years (n=112) were recruited from the ophthalmology clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group that utilized the multimedia visual perceptual learning system or a control group utilizing the synoptophore. All subjects underwent perceptual learning and patching or refractive correction, depending upon the individual situation. After the baseline visit, follow-up visits were held after 10, 20, and 30 treatments. Finally, the clinical efficacy and improvement of visual acuity in the two groups were analyzed and compared, using chi-square test, independent-samples t test, Pearson correlation test. Results: The curative effect of the experimental group was better than the control group at different training periods (Z=-4.128, -4.806, -3.063, P<0.001). The change in visual acuity in the experimental group was significantly higher at the 10th and 20th training sessions (t=3.471, 3.290, P<0.05). In the moderate and severe amblyopia groups, the curative effect of the experimental group was better than the control group (Z=-3.050, P=0.021), and was the same as in the anisometropic amblyopia group (Z=-2.864, P=0.004) and 7-11 year-old group (Z=-2.631, P=0.009). There was a moderate correlation at baseline and an improvement in visual acuity in both groups (r=0.690, 0.650, P<0.05). Conclusions: The multimedia visual perceptual learning system can achieve an optimal effect in a short period of time. The improvement in vision relates to the sex of the patient, and the degree and type of amblyopia, which are clinically significant to amblyopia therapy. Key words: amblyopia; perceptual learning; children