NCT07107646

Exploring Perceptual Learning in Blurred Gabor Discrimination for Low-Myopic Children

Investigating the Efficacy of Perceptual Learning in Blurred Gabor Discrimination Among Children With Low Myopia: An Exploratory Study

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Years – 10 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This exploratory study investigates whether perceptual learning using blurred Gabor stimuli can improve uncorrected distance visual acuity in children aged 6-10 years with low myopia. Participants will be randomly assigned to a training group or control group. The training group will undergo individualized visual perceptual learning through a digital Vision Training System (VTS) for approximately 3 months. The study will also evaluate changes in refraction, contrast sensitivity, visual crowding, Chinese reading acuity with eye movements, and sweep visual evoked potentials (sVEPs).

Detailed description

Perceptual learning (PL) is a non-invasive approach that enhances visual function through repeated visual tasks. Prior studies have demonstrated its potential in treating amblyopia and age-related visual decline. However, its application in children with low myopia remains underexplored. This study has two main objectives: To examine the effect of perceptual learning using blurred Gabor stimuli on uncorrected distance visual acuity in children with low myopia. To investigate whether such training also improves refraction, contrast sensitivity, visual crowding, reading vision with eye movement patterns, and sweep visual evoked potentials (sVEPs). Thirty children aged 6-10 years with spherical equivalent refractive errors between -0.50 and -1.25 diopters (including ≤ -0.75 diopters of astigmatism) will be enrolled. Participants will be randomized into a training group or control group. The training group will undergo approximately 20 sessions of individualized visual perceptual learning using the Vision Training System (VTS), developed in collaboration with Bar Ilan University. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, and at follow-up points up to 12 months. Measures include visual acuity, refractive status, contrast sensitivity (CSV-1000E), crowding acuity (FrACT), Chinese reading visual acuity (with Tobii eye tracking), and sVEPs.

Conditions

• Myopia
• Visual Rehabilitation
• Perceptual Learning

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	vision training system, VTS	Participants in this group will receive individualized visual perceptual learning using the Vision Training System (VTS). The training involves blurred Gabor stimuli presented via a computer-based application. Each participant will complete approximately 20 training sessions over 3 months, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes, conducted twice per week. The program is designed to enhance uncorrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and other visual functions by engaging neural mechanisms related to perceptual learning. Training progression is adaptive based on individual performance. The VTS software was developed in collaboration with Bar Ilan University.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-01
• Primary completion: 2027-06-30
• Completion: 2027-07-31
• First posted: 2025-08-06
• Last updated: 2025-11-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan