Improvement of Adherence with Occlu-Pad Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Amblyopia

Abstract

We aimed to examine visual acuity improvement effect and adherence in amblyopia training using tablet type vision training equipment (Occlu-pad). The subjects were 138 patients with amblyopia (average age of 5.5 ± 1.6 years old); their amblyopic visual acuity at the start of training was logMAR 0.15 to 1.3. Occlu-pad is a device that processes images such that amblyopic eyes can only view the image as it passes through polarized glasses; this is achieved by peeling off the polarizing film layer in the liquid crystal display of an iPad (Apple). Amblyopia training comprised either the instructional training with Occlu-pad or the eye patch (Patching) as a family training, after wearing perfectly corrected glasses. Visual acuity improvement following amblyopia training by Occlu-pad and Patching was significantly different after 6 months in patients with anisometropic amblyopia (p <0.05). In patients with strabismic amblyopia, a significant difference between training methods was observed after 9 months (p <0.05). Use of the Occlu-pad resulted in better adherence for patients with either anisometropic amblyopia or strabismic amblyopia; a significant difference in adherence was observed after 3 months, compared with Patching (p <0.05). Amblyopia training with Occlu-pad supports greater visual acuity improvement and adherence than Patching.