Vision Training + Binocular Deprivation for Lazy Eye

(LUMA Trial)

This trial aims to determine if living in complete darkness for five to ten days can help adults with amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, improve their vision. Amblyopia occurs when one eye has weaker vision due to receiving lower-quality visual input than the other eye during childhood. Participants will either undergo binocular deprivation (living in complete darkness) followed by vision training or receive only vision training. Individuals with moderate to severe amblyopia who live near New York City might be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment methods for improving vision in adults with amblyopia.

If you are taking anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drugs, you will need to stop, as people on these medications are excluded from the trial.

Research has shown that treatments involving binocular deprivation, where both eyes are temporarily blocked from seeing, may improve vision in adults with amblyopia. Studies have found that temporarily turning off the dominant eye aids recovery more effectively than covering one eye alone. This suggests the method is generally safe and could be effective.

For vision training, less direct evidence on safety is available from the sources provided. However, vision training is a non-invasive technique often used to improve visual skills. It does not involve medication or surgery, which usually makes it well-tolerated.

Most treatments for amblyopia, like patching or atropine drops, focus on strengthening the weaker eye by forcing it to work harder. But researchers are exploring a different approach with binocular deprivation, which involves short-term light deprivation followed by vision training. This method is unique because it aims to reset the brain's visual processing, potentially speeding up improvement. Another arm of the trial focuses solely on vision training, offering an alternative to traditional treatments that could enhance visual acuity without the need for covering the stronger eye. Researchers are excited because these methods could lead to faster, more effective recovery for individuals with amblyopia.

This trial will compare two approaches to improving vision in adults with lazy eye (amblyopia). One group will undergo 10 days of visual deprivation followed by vision training, while the other group will receive vision training only. Research has shown that temporarily blocking vision in both eyes, followed by special vision exercises, might improve sight in adults with lazy eye. Studies have found that these exercises can greatly enhance how well both eyes work together, which is crucial for better vision. Early findings suggest that this approach can help the brain learn and improve vision, even in adults. While more research is needed, these initial results are promising for improving vision in conditions like lazy eye.²⁶⁷⁸⁹