
Training tools, including a Pac-Man-style ‘cat and mouse’ game, have produced results in pilot testing: weak-eye vision improved to 20/20 and 20/50 in two adult research participants with lazy eyes whose vision was 20/25 and 20/63, respectively, before the training began.
Unlike eye patches commonly used on dominant eyes for ‘push-only’ training, this testing uses a ‘push-pull’ method. Both eyes are stimulated and encouraged to interact as they should, but the weaker eye is exposed to more complex images. The dominant eye’s power in the relationship is suppressed.
Meredith Graham, Fellow of the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists, said results from pilot testing are part of a growing body of evidence that amblyopia should not be treated as a monocular condition. “Perhaps one of the most important elements of the article is that the game ‘adds an important element of fun’.” Neuroscience speaks of the importance of novelty, fun or other things to boost engagement and hence learning. It also reinforces what behavioural optometrists have been saying for years – that the therapeutic experience need not be long, just a few minutes of meaningful experience on a regular basis is powerful.” She cautioned, “the notion that any such thing can be used in isolation is potentially misleading”.