Efficacy of Binocular Vision Therapy versus Standard Occlusion Therapy in Improving Stereo-Acuity in Amblyopic Children

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of Binocular Vision Therapy (BVT) with standard occlusion therapy in improving stereo-acuity and visual acuity among children with amblyopia.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Eye Clinic, Dunyapur, from March to June 2025.Fifty-four children aged 5-12 years with unilateral amblyopia (anisometropic, strabismic, or mixed) were randomly assigned to two groups.Group A received BVT, including stereopsis, vergence, and anti-suppression exercises, while Group B underwent standard occlusion therapy by patching the nonamblyopic eye for 2-6 hours daily.Therapy adherence was monitored weekly.Visual acuity and stereo-acuity were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks using the Titmus Fly Stereotest.Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Chi-square tests.Results: Children with hypermetropia showed greater improvement compared to those with astigmatic myopia (χ² = 6.46, p = 0.04).BVT demonstrated superior improvement in stereo-acuity and binocular coordination compared to occlusion therapy.Differences in distance clarity and adaptation to lenses were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).Compliance and engagement were higher in the BVT group.Conclusion: Binocular Vision Therapy significantly enhanced stereo-acuity and visual performance compared to standard occlusion therapy.Incorporating BVT into amblyopia rehabilitation protocols may improve compliance, depth perception, and long-term visual outcomes.