Brain Stimulation Combined with Augmented Reality Vision Therapy for Adults with Lazy Eye

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether combining noninvasive brain stimulation with augmented reality-based vision therapy can improve vision in adults aged 18 to 40 years who have unilateral anisometropic amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. This condition occurs when the eyes have different focusing powers, causing the brain to rely more on one eye. The study aims to determine if active high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation HD-tDCS enhances visual acuity and depth perception more than a sham stimulation alongside augmented reality therapy. Participants will undergo the same augmented reality-based dichoptic therapy for 10 weeks, involving 40-minute sessions four times weekly. During the first 2 weeks, they will receive either active or sham HD-tDCS delivered immediately before the augmented reality therapy. Active HD-tDCS involves applying a weak electrical current through electrodes on the scalp targeting the primary visual cortex for 20 minutes, while sham stimulation mimics the procedure without sustained current. Throughout the study, participants will attend assessment visits before treatment, after 2 weeks, and after 10 weeks to undergo vision tests, retinal imaging, retinal function assessments, and brain imaging. Researchers will measure changes in best-corrected visual acuity, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, interocular suppression, retinal structure, retinal cell function, and brain organization. The study will also explore neural changes associated with treatment response and the potential for enhanced adult visual plasticity.

Combining Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Augmented Reality-based Dichoptic Therapy for Treating Amblyopic Adults