03 Jul, 2018
QEI conducts a new clinical trial that aims to improve Amblyopia. The study is looking to understand whether this new device can help treat “Lazy Eye”.
Amblyopia, also known as Lazy Eye is an abnormal vision development that causes poor vision – in most cases, only one eye is affected but in some cases, reduced visual acuity can occur in both eyes. Amblyopia develops during infancy and early childhood, and the condition affects 3% of the population. If not treated, Amblyopia can cause mild to severe loss of vision.
The participants of the clinical trial are required to wear a special head-mounted device at least 30 minutes twice a day for six weeks. “The aim of our study is to explore how this new device can help the treatment of Amblyopia” – says Brett Caldwell, Clinical Trials Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Supervisor at QEI Clinic. “Lazy Eye is caused when the nerves carrying information from the eye to the brain are impaired. When the brain gets a blurred image from the defected eye, it gets confused, and over time, favours only the healthy eye and ignores signals from the weaker eye, leading to poor vision” -Caldwell continues.
The study requires participants between eight and 50 years of age with a history of previous treatment for the conditions. Lead members of the research team are Professor Mark Radford, CEO of QEI; Brett Caldwell, Clinical Trials Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Supervisor at QEI Clinic and Dr Atanu Ghosh, Clinical Optometrist at QEI Clinic.