Long-term efficacy of perceptual learning therapy in amblyopia: A 5-year follow-up study

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of amblyopic patients treated with perceptual learning therapy (PLT) over a 5-year follow-up period, focusing on visual acuity improvements, binocular function restoration, and the sustainability of therapeutic effects. Material and Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center, enrolling 89 amblyopic patients who had achieved maximum visual improvement through optical correction and patching. Participants underwent 30–40 sessions of PLT using RevitalVision software, with training conducted at home. Visual perceptual tasks were performed using Gabor patches to enhance contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution. Visual acuity was assessed at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. Results Visual acuity showed significant improvement between baseline and 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year visits, with gradual improvement observed over time. The mean visual acuity on LogMAR chart improved from 0.56 ± 0.27 at presentation to 0.30 ± 0.24 beyond 3 years. Amblyopia types included refractive (89.87%), deprivation (2.25%), strabismic (4.49%), and combined mechanism (3.37%). Improvement was observed in 83% of participants, with significant results for both unilateral and bilateral amblyopia (p < 0.001). Notably, age did not significantly affect the visual acuity improvement. Conclusion PLT significantly improves visual acuity in amblyopic patients and provides sustained benefits over a 5-year follow-up period. The findings support the use of PLT as an effective alternative treatment for amblyopia, particularly for individuals with residual deficits after traditional interventions. Further studies are needed to explore its broader clinical applications and long-term effects.