Groundbreaking research conducted by experts at the University of Leicester has unveiled a new approach to treating amblyopia, commonly known as ‘lazy eye,’ in children. This pioneering study challenges conventional treatment methods and offers a more effective strategy for correcting this prevalent childhood visual disorder.

Traditionally, the treatment for amblyopia involved a prolonged period of wearing glasses followed by patching the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker one. However, the findings of this new study, published in The Lancet, suggest that initiating patching sooner, without an extended duration of glasses wearing, yields superior outcomes in most children, resulting in enhanced vision and higher treatment satisfaction.

Led by a collaborative effort under the European Paediatric Amblyopia Treatment Study for Children (EuPatch), spearheaded by Associate Professor Frank Proudlock and research orthoptist Michael Hisaund, in conjunction with clinical lead Professor Irene Gottlob, the study represents a significant advancement in the understanding and management of amblyopia.

Professor Gottlob emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “These results are important because an extended period of glasses wearing before patching is commonly used today by many countries.” With amblyopia affecting 1-5% of children and current treatment outcomes often falling short, the potential impact of this research on clinical practice is profound.

Amblyopia stems from various causes, including strabismus and anisometropia, resulting in diminished vision in one eye if left untreated. The study, comprising 334 children aged three to eight years, conducted a randomized controlled trial across multiple hospitals in Europe. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving patching treatment after 24 weeks of glasses wearing, while the other commenced patching after only three weeks of wearing glasses.

The results were striking. For the majority of children with amblyopia, initiating patching earlier proved to be more effective than the traditional approach of delayed patching following an extended period of glasses wearing. Notably, younger children with milder amblyopia responded favorably to the prolonged glasses wearing before patching, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment approaches.

Dr. Proudlock highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the study’s findings, stating, “We measured the improvement in vision as the main outcome but we also found, using questionnaires, that families preferred to start patching without a period of prolonged glass wear.” This patient-centered approach not only enhances treatment efficacy but also improves the overall experience for families navigating the challenges of amblyopia.

Funded by organizations such as Action Medical Research, the NIHR Clinical Research Network, and the Ulverscroft Foundation, this study represents a collaborative effort to revolutionize the management of amblyopia. Moving forward, further research endeavors will be crucial in refining personalized care strategies and optimizing treatment outcomes for children affected by this common yet debilitating visual condition.