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

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).

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.

Experimental and Control Group

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children aged between 6 to 10 years.

2. Best corrected distance visual acuity of 6/6 or 0.00 logMAR.

3. Diagnosed with low myopia after a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, with a spherical equivalent refractive error ranging from -0.50 to -1.25 diopters, including up to -0.75 diopters of astigmatism.

4. Not currently undergoing any of the four standard myopia control treatments for children:

   1. Atropine (mydriatic agent)
   2. Orthokeratology
   3. Peripheral defocus soft contact lenses
   4. Peripheral defocus spectacle lenses (frame glasses)

5. Willing and able to provide informed consent, and able to comply with study procedures and assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded if they have any of the following ophthalmologic conditions:

1. Strabismus
2. Binocular vision problems
3. Ocular diseases
4. History of ocular surgery (excluding refractive surgery)