This study is now closed.

Why we are doing this study:
This is a study for children age 3 year to less than 7 years old who have intermittent exotropia, a condition where an eye drifts out some of the time and at other times both eyes are straight. We are trying to find out if treating with using glasses with special lenses (over-minus glasses) helps.

Who can be in the study:
Children age 3 years to less than 7 years with intermittent exotropia that have not been treated in the past six months except with eyeglasses or contact lenses and who have not received previous treatment with over-minus glasses or eye muscle surgery.

Specific screening questions will be asked before scheduling a study appointment.

What the study involves:
There are two visits over the course of 2 months. The length of the visits will depend on how old your child is. Visits can range from 1 ½ hours to 3 hours. At the end of your first study visit, your child will be randomized (like the toss of a coin) to either glasses or observation.  At each visit, your child will:

  • Have his/her eye turn checked.
  • Have stereoacuity (depth perception) checked.
  • Have his/her vision checked.
  • Complete other procedures designed to see if there is any change to your child’s vision.

Parents will complete a symptom survey at each visit.

Will you directly benefit from the study?
There may or may not be a benefit to your child by being in the study, but there is no guarantee.

Other things you should know about the study:

  • Parental permission is required for minors (under age 18) to participate in this study, so a parent will need to be present during the enrollment visit.
  • The study will provide a pair of glasses at no cost to you. The glasses will either be over-minus glasses or plain clear lenses.
  • You will receive $50 for each completed visit for your time for the study.

Principle Investigator: Marilyn Vricella
For more information, contact the Clinical Vision Research Center.