ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT01032330IXT2Updated May 19, 2020Results posted

Observation Versus Occlusion Therapy for Intermittent Exotropia

An interventional study of occlusion treatment in Exotropia, sponsored by Jaeb Center for Health Research. Completed at 2 sites in United States. Open to participants aged 12 Months to 10 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2020-05-19.

Sponsored by Jaeb Center for Health Research · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
611
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
12 Months to 10 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The present study is being conducted to assess the natural history of intermittent exotropia and to establish the effectiveness of occlusion in its treatment.

Study Objectives:

  • To determine the effectiveness of occlusion for the treatment of intermittent exotropia among patients aged 3 to \< 11 years who have baseline near stereoacuity of 400 arcsec or better by Preschool Randot stereotest
  • To determine the natural history of intermittent exotropia among patients aged 3 to \< 11 years who have baseline near stereoacuity of 400 arcsec or better by Preschool Randot stereotest
Read the detailed description

Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is the most common form of childhood-onset exotropia with an incidence of 32.1 per 100,000 in children under 19 years of age. Intermittent exotropia is characterized by an exotropia that is not constant and is mainly present in the distance but may also be present at near. Many cases of IXT are treated using non-surgical interventions, such as part-time occlusion, fusional vergence exercises, and over-minus lenses. The rationale for such interventions is that they may improve the ability to control the IXT and preserve stereoacuity, thereby potentially addressing both visual function and social concerns, and may delay or eliminate the need for surgical correction of IXT. Nevertheless, the natural history of IXT is unknown and in many cases it is not known whether withholding treatment may in fact allow for spontaneous resolution or improvement in IXT, making non-surgical or surgical intervention unnecessary. Moreover, although non-surgical treatments for IXT are commonly prescribed, such treatments have not been subjected to rigorous study and their efficacy in improving visual function or social concerns remains unclear.

One aim of the present study is to better understand the natural history of IXT. Available reports on the natural history of IXT disagree on the progression of the disease. A 1966 study by von Noorden (cited in von Noorden and Campos) found that over an average of 3.5 years of follow-up, 75% of 51 patients showed signs of IXT progression, 9% showed no change, and 16% improved without therapy. A 1968 retrospective study by Hiles et al found that after a minimum of 6 years follow up with observation and nonsurgical treatment, 81% of 48 patients showed no change in angle of deviation. The results of more recent retrospective studies show some reporting that the majority of cases improve over time, others reporting that most cases remain stable, and still others reporting that most cases deteriorate. It is therefore unclear what proportion of patients, if left untreated, is likely to deteriorate, improve, or remain stable over time. Natural history data acquired during this study will help determine not only what proportion of patients change over time, but whether there are associated prognostic indicators of deterioration or improvement. Such data will not only enable better identification of those patients with IXT likely to benefit from treatment and those for whom treatment is likely to be unnecessary, but will also improve the quality of medical advice to parents regarding the likely progression of the disease, thus alleviating anxiety.

The aim of most forms of non-surgical treatments for IXT is to improve the strength and/or quality of binocular single vision by either eliminating suppression, increasing awareness of diplopia, and/or increasing positive fusional amplitudes. Commonly used non-surgical treatment methods include: occlusion, fusional vergence exercises (sometimes known as vision therapy or orthoptics), and over-minus lenses. When surveyed in 1990, members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus reported that occlusion was the most commonly used form of non-surgical treatment. More recently (2008), a poll of our investigator group revealed again that occlusion was the most widely prescribed non-surgical treatment for children affected by IXT.

Occlusion is thought to work by interrupting the development of or eliminating already present suppression, an adaptation to avoid diplopia in IXT. Persistent or entrenched suppression prevents normal binocular vision and may lead to permanent loss of stereoacuity. If successful, occlusion may then result in improved binocular sensory fusion.

As reported in recent reviews of treatment for IXT, previous studies of occlusion vary regarding the recommended occlusion dose (from 3 hours a day to full time), the optimum duration of occlusion treatment (from 6 weeks to 42 months), and which eye should be occluded (preferred/dominant eye or alternate eyes). For the majority of studies, part-time occlusion, rather than full-time occlusion was preferred. In the three occlusion studies conducted prospectively, the recommended dose was either 3 hours a day, 3 to 6 hours a day, or 4 to 6 hours a day, and the duration of occlusion ranged from 3 months to 6 months to up to 42 (mean 15) months. Nevertheless, these previous studies of occlusion for the treatment of IXT used a variety of outcome measures at a variety of non-standardized time points; therefore, no definite conclusions can be drawn from the existing literature.

Although occlusion treatment for IXT treatment is widely used, there have been no randomized clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness. Understanding the degree of effectiveness of occlusion treatment for IXT and the natural history of IXT has important public health implications. Successful restoration of binocular alignment and normal binocular function with occlusion therapy, or spontaneous improvement, will reduce the proportion of children undergoing surgery. Defining the rate of success with either occlusion or observation is therefore important in planning treatment for children with IXT. Alternatively, evidence of low treatment effectiveness with occlusion will help avoid unnecessary treatment.

The present study is being conducted to assess the natural history of IXT and to establish the effectiveness of occlusion in its treatment.

02

Conditions studied

  • Exotropia

Keywords

  • intermittent exotropia
  • IXT
  • natural history
  • occlusion therapy
  • occlusion
  • patching
  • strabismus
  • strabismus treatment
  • stereoacuity
  • motor alignment
03

In context

Exotropia

58 studies on the registry are indexed under Exotropia; 13 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 611 is above the median of 50 across 49 interventional studies indexed under Exotropia.

Browse Exotropia studies →

Lead sponsor

Jaeb Center for Health Research is the lead sponsor of 129 studies on the registry; 16 are open to participants now.

Of its 17 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 15 (88%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
12 Months to 10 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 12 months to \< 11 years
  • Intermittent exotropia (manifest deviation) meeting all of the following criteria:

    • Intermittent exotropia at distance OR constant exotropia at distance and either intermittent exotropia or exophoria at near
    • Exodeviation at least 15PD at distance OR near measured by prism and alternate cover test (PACT)
    • Exodeviation at least 10PD at distance measured by PACT
  • No previous surgical or non-surgical treatment for IXT (other than refractive correction)
  • Visual acuity in the worse eye at least 0.3 logMAR (20/40 on ATS HOTV or 70 letters on E-ETDRS) for children ≥ 3 years of age
  • No interocular difference of visual acuity more than 0.2 logMAR (2 lines on ATS HOTV or 10 letters on E-ETDRS) for children ≥ 3 years of age
  • No hyperopia greater than +3.50 D spherical equivalent in either eye
  • No myopia greater than -6.00 D spherical equivalent in either eye
  • No prior strabismus, intraocular, or refractive surgery
  • No abnormality of the cornea, lens, or central retina
  • Investigator willing to observe the IXT untreated for 3 years unless specific criteria for deterioration are met

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pure phoria at both distance and near
  • Prior non-surgical treatment for IXT other than refractive correction (e.g., vergence therapy, occlusion, vision therapy/orthoptics, or deliberate over-minus with spectacles more than 0.50D)
  • Previous amblyopia treatment other than refractive correction within 1 year
  • Vision therapy/orthoptics for any reason within the last year
  • Interocular visual acuity difference more than 0.2 logMAR (2 lines on ATS HOTV for patients 3 to \< 7 years old or 10 letters on E-ETDRS for patients ≥ 7 years old) (patients ≥ 3 years only) and/or investigator plans to initiate amblyopia treatment at this time.
  • Limitation of ocular rotations due to restrictive or paretic strabismus
  • Craniofacial malformations affecting the orbits
  • Ocular disorders which would reduce visual acuity (except refractive error)
  • Prior strabismus surgery or botulinum injection, intraocular surgery, or refractive surgery
  • Strabismus surgery planned
  • Known skin reactions to patch or bandage adhesives
  • Significant neurological impairment such as cerebral palsy. Patients with mild speech delays or common reading and/or learning disabilities are not excluded.
  • Investigator planning to change refractive correction at this time (if the patient is otherwise eligible, the investigator should consider prescribing refractive correction and bringing the patient back at a later time for enrollment)
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
611 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • No intervention
    Observation

    Patients randomized to the observation group will receive no treatment (other than refractive correction).

  • Active comparator
    Occlusion Therapy

    Patients randomized to the occlusion treatment group will receive occlusion (patching) for 3 hours per day for at least 3 months. Choice of which eye to occlude, or whether to alternate daily, is at investigator's discretion.

    Device: occlusion treatment

Interventions

  • Deviceocclusion treatment

    Patients randomized to the occlusion treatment group will receive occlusion (patching) for 3 hours per day for at least 3 months. Choice of which eye to occlude, or whether to alternate daily, is at investigator's discretion.

    Also known as: occlusion therapy, patching

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Deterioration by 6 Months - Older Cohort

    The primary outcome measure for this study was whether the participant's condition had deteriorated within 6 months after randomization. Deterioration was defined as meeting one or both of the following criteria during a masked examination at either the 3-month or 6-month visit: 1) a constant exotropia (throughout the exam) of 10∆ or greater at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, or 2) loss of near stereoacuity of 2 octaves (0.6 log arcsec) or more from the better of a test and retest of Preschool Randot stereoacuity at baseline, confirmed by a retest. In addition, participants were classified as deteriorated for the primary analysis if they started using non-randomized treatment (i.e., any treatment in the observation group; any treatment other than patching in the patching group) without first meeting one of the two protocol-specified deterioration criteria.

    Time frame: 6 months

  2. Deterioration by 3 Years - Older Cohort

    The primary outcome measure for this study was whether the participant's condition had deteriorated within 3 years after randomization. Deterioration was defined as meeting one or both of the following criteria during any masked examination between 3 months and 3 years after randomization: 1) a constant exotropia (throughout the exam) of 10∆ or greater at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, or 2) loss of near stereoacuity of 2 octaves (0.6 log arcsec) or more from the better of a test and retest of Preschool Randot stereoacuity at baseline, confirmed by a retest. In addition, participants were classified as deteriorated for the primary analysis if they started using non-randomized treatment (i.e., any treatment in the observation group; any treatment other than patching in the patching group) without first meeting one of the two protocol-specified deterioration criteria.

    Time frame: 3 years

  3. Deterioration by 6 Months - Younger Cohort

    The primary outcome measure was deterioration of the intermittent exotropia (IXT) within 6 months after randomization. Motor deterioration was defined as a constant exotropia of 10 D or more at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, at either the 3- or 6-month visit.

    Time frame: 6 months

  4. Deterioration by 3 Years - Younger Cohort

    The primary outcome measure was deterioration of the intermittent exotropia (IXT) within 6 months after randomization. Motor deterioration was defined as a constant exotropia of 10 D or more at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, during any masked examination between 3 months and 3 years after randomization.

    Time frame: 3 years

Secondary outcomes

  1. Distance Stereoacuity - 3 Years

    Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at distance is reported at 3 years, as is the change in distance stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

    Time frame: Between baseline and 3 years

  2. Near Stereoacuity - 6 Months

    Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at near is reported at 3 years, as is the change in near stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. Outcome based on initial testing regardless of whether a retest was completed for suspected deterioration. Change is calculated as baseline level minus 6-month level. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

    Time frame: 6 months

  3. Near Stereoacuity - 3 Years

    Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at near is reported at 3 years, as is the change in near stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

    Time frame: between baseline and 3 years

  4. Exotropia Control at Distance - 6 Months

    Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

    Time frame: 6 months

  5. Exotropia Control at Distance - 3 Years

    Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

    Time frame: 3 years

  6. Exotropia Control at Near - 6 Months

    Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

    Time frame: 6 months

  7. Exotropia Control at Near - 3 Years

    Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

    Time frame: 3 years

  8. PACT Exodeviation at Distance - 6 Months

    The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

    Time frame: 6 months

  9. PACT at Distance - 3 Years

    The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). Improvement in PACT at distance was defined as a decrease of ≥8∆ because this amount exceed the repeatability coefficient of 7.2∆ for PACT angles larger than 20∆ at distance. log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

    Time frame: 3 years

  10. PACT at Near - 6 Months

    The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

    Time frame: 6 months

  11. PACT at Near - 3 Years

    The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). Improvement in PACT at near was defined as a decrease of ≥13∆ because this amount exceed the repeatability coefficient of 12.8∆ for PACT angles larger than 20∆ at near. log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

    Time frame: 3 years

07

Results

Posted May 8, 2019

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
Started18317597104
Completed1651518790
Not completed18241014

Outcome measures

PrimaryDeterioration by 6 Months - Older Cohort

The primary outcome measure for this study was whether the participant's condition had deteriorated within 6 months after randomization. Deterioration was defined as meeting one or both of the following criteria during a masked examination at either the 3-month or 6-month visit: 1) a constant exotropia (throughout the exam) of 10∆ or greater at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, or 2) loss of near stereoacuity of 2 octaves (0.6 log arcsec) or more from the better of a test and retest of Preschool Randot stereoacuity at baseline, confirmed by a retest. In addition, participants were classified as deteriorated for the primary analysis if they started using non-randomized treatment (i.e., any treatment in the observation group; any treatment other than patching in the patching group) without first meeting one of the two protocol-specified deterioration criteria.

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Deterioration by 6 Months - Older Cohort
ParticipantsOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
Formal deterioration criteria met101
Constant exotropia >= 10 PD at distance and near71
Stereoacuity worsening of >= 2 octaves10
Both criteria00
Started treatment w/o meeting criteria30
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · One-sided Barnard's Test · p = 0.004 · Risk difference (rd): 0.054
PrimaryDeterioration by 3 Years - Older Cohort

The primary outcome measure for this study was whether the participant's condition had deteriorated within 3 years after randomization. Deterioration was defined as meeting one or both of the following criteria during any masked examination between 3 months and 3 years after randomization: 1) a constant exotropia (throughout the exam) of 10∆ or greater at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, or 2) loss of near stereoacuity of 2 octaves (0.6 log arcsec) or more from the better of a test and retest of Preschool Randot stereoacuity at baseline, confirmed by a retest. In addition, participants were classified as deteriorated for the primary analysis if they started using non-randomized treatment (i.e., any treatment in the observation group; any treatment other than patching in the patching group) without first meeting one of the two protocol-specified deterioration criteria.

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Deterioration by 3 Years - Older Cohort
ParticipantsOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
Deterioration by 3 Years - Older Cohort250
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · Cumulative probability: .15 · 95% CI .10 to .22Kaplan-Meier estimate of cumulative probability of deterioration by 3 years
PrimaryDeterioration by 6 Months - Younger Cohort

The primary outcome measure was deterioration of the intermittent exotropia (IXT) within 6 months after randomization. Motor deterioration was defined as a constant exotropia of 10 D or more at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, at either the 3- or 6-month visit.

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Deterioration by 6 Months - Younger Cohort
ParticipantsYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
Deterioration42
Constant exotropia >= 10 PD at distance and near22
Started nonprotocol tmt w/o motor deterioration20
Statistical analysis
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group vs Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · One-sided Barnard's Test · p = 0.27 · Risk difference (rd): 0.024 · 95% CI -0.038 to 0.094
PrimaryDeterioration by 3 Years - Younger Cohort

The primary outcome measure was deterioration of the intermittent exotropia (IXT) within 6 months after randomization. Motor deterioration was defined as a constant exotropia of 10 D or more at distance and near by SPCT, confirmed by a retest, during any masked examination between 3 months and 3 years after randomization.

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Deterioration by 3 Years - Younger Cohort
ParticipantsYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
Deterioration by 3 Years - Younger Cohort240
SecondaryDistance Stereoacuity - 3 Years

Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at distance is reported at 3 years, as is the change in distance stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

Time frame:
Between baseline and 3 years
Reported as:
Mean · log arsec
Distance Stereoacuity - 3 Years
log arsecOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Group
At 3 Years2.03 ± 0.36—
Change between baseline and 3 years0.14 ± 0.40—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = <.001
SecondaryNear Stereoacuity - 6 Months

Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at near is reported at 3 years, as is the change in near stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. Outcome based on initial testing regardless of whether a retest was completed for suspected deterioration. Change is calculated as baseline level minus 6-month level. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Mean · log arsec
Near Stereoacuity - 6 Months
log arsecOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
At 6 months1.84 ± 0.331.84 ± 0.31
Change between Baseline and 6 months0.00 ± 0.320.06 ± 0.30
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.38
SecondaryNear Stereoacuity - 3 Years

Stereoacuity scores (seconds of arc) were calculated based on the Randot Preschool stereoacuity test (scores: 800, 400, 200, 100, 60 and 40). Seconds of arc refers to the visual angle that is being measured in order to determine depth perception. Lower scores indicate better stereoacuity. A logarithm base 10 transformation was used to convert stereoacuity scores to the log scale to calculate descriptive statistics (reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec). The stereoacuity at near is reported at 3 years, as is the change in near stereoacuity from baseline to 3 years. Both were reported as log of seconds of arc, or log arcsec. For change in stereo, positive change indicates improvement in stereo.

Time frame:
between baseline and 3 years
Reported as:
Mean · log arcsec
Near Stereoacuity - 3 Years
log arcsecOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
At 3 Years1.7 ± 0.21—
Change between Baseline and 3 Years0.14 ± 0.29—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = <.001
SecondaryExotropia Control at Distance - 6 Months

Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Exotropia Control at Distance - 6 Months
score on a scaleOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
At 6 months2.3 ± 1.42.0 ± 1.22.8 ± 1.32.3 ± 1.5
Change between Baseline and 6 months0.1 ± 1.40.3 ± 1.4-0.3 ± 1.30.1 ± 1.5
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.09
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group vs Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.02
SecondaryExotropia Control at Distance - 3 Years

Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Exotropia Control at Distance - 3 Years
score on a scaleOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Group
At 3 Years1.8 ± 1.4—2.2 ± 1.5—
Change between Baseline and 3 Years0.6 ± 1.5—0.2 ± 1.4—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = <.001
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.33
SecondaryExotropia Control at Near - 6 Months

Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Exotropia Control at Near - 6 Months
score on a scaleOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
A 6 months1.2 ± 1.10.9 ± 1.11.4 ± 1.41.1 ± 1.4
Change between Baseline and 6 months-0.2 ± 1.10.1 ± 1.1-0.3 ± 1.1-0.1 ± 1.3
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.013
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group vs Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.26
SecondaryExotropia Control at Near - 3 Years

Change in control is calculated as baseline level minus 3-year level, so positive change = improvement. Scale Range: 0 to 5. Improvement in control was defined as an improvement of 3 points based on the 3-point threshold for real change. Numeric values for exotropia control were assigned so that the following categories were created: Not applicable (no exodeviation) 0: No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \<1 secs (phoria) 1. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers 1-5 secs 2. No exotropia unless dissociated, recovers \>5 secs 3. Exotropia \<50% of 30-second observation 4. Exotropia \>50% of 30-second observation 5. Constant exotropia Lower scores indicate better control.

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Exotropia Control at Near - 3 Years
score on a scaleOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Group
At 3 Years0.9 ± 1.1—1.0 ± 1.4—
Change between Baseline and 3 Years0.1 ± 1.2—0.1 ± 1.4—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.42
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.61
SecondaryPACT Exodeviation at Distance - 6 Months

The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Mean · prism diopters
PACT Exodeviation at Distance - 6 Months
prism dioptersOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
At 6 months23.8 ± 7.822.2 ± 7.427.9 ± 8.224.9 ± 9.4
Change between Baseline and 6 months-0.3 ± 6.81.4 ± 5.8-0.6 ± 8.12.0 ± 8.6
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.012
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group vs Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.02
SecondaryPACT at Distance - 3 Years

The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). Improvement in PACT at distance was defined as a decrease of ≥8∆ because this amount exceed the repeatability coefficient of 7.2∆ for PACT angles larger than 20∆ at distance. log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Mean · prism diopters
PACT at Distance - 3 Years
prism dioptersOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Group
At 3 Years21.0 ± 8.7—23.4 ± 9.5—
Change between Baseline and 3 Years2.2 ± 8.3—3.6 ± 10.4—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = .002
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.01
SecondaryPACT at Near - 6 Months

The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

Time frame:
6 months
Reported as:
Mean · prism diopters
PACT at Near - 6 Months
prism dioptersOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group
At 6 months17.6 ± 9.615.4 ± 10.119.3 ± 9.617.0 ± 12.2
Change between Baseline and 6 months0.5 ± 7.81.5 ± 8.0-1.8 ± 11.40.9 ± 12.8
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group vs Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.11
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group vs Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.10
SecondaryPACT at Near - 3 Years

The prism and alternate cover test (PACT) is used to measure the angle of strabismus, or deviation, in prism diopters. This is measured separately at distance and at near. Smaller numbers are better because they indicate a smaller angle of deviation. For change in PACT, positive change indicates improvement (i.e. decrease in angle over time). Improvement in PACT at near was defined as a decrease of ≥13∆ because this amount exceed the repeatability coefficient of 12.8∆ for PACT angles larger than 20∆ at near. log arcsec = logarithm of seconds of arc; Δ = prism diopter

Time frame:
3 years
Reported as:
Mean · prism diopters
PACT at Near - 3 Years
prism dioptersOlder Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Group
At 3 Years17.0 ± 10.1—14.9 ± 10.3—
Change between Baseline and 3 Years0.4 ± 9.3—2.8 ± 12.0—
Statistical analysis
  • Older Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.60
  • Younger Cohort Observation Group · ANCOVA · p = 0.09

Adverse events

Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Older Cohort Observation Group0/183 (0%)0/183 (0%)0/183 (0%)
Older Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group0/175 (0%)0/175 (0%)0/175 (0%)
Younger Cohort Observation Group0/97 (0%)0/97 (0%)0/97 (0%)
Younger Cohort Occlusion Therapy Group0/104 (0%)0/104 (0%)0/104 (0%)

Baseline characteristics

Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
<=18 years18317597104559
Between 18 and 65 years00000
>=65 years00000
Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
Mean6.1 ± 2.05.9 ± 2.02.0 ± 0.542.0 ± 0.576.0 ± 2.0
Age, Customized
Age, Customized(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
3 to <5 years616800129
5 to <7 years676400131
7 to <9 years33260059
9 to <11 years22170039
1 to <1.5 years00222345
1.5 to <2 years00281846
2 to <2.5 years00243458
2.5 to <3 years00232851
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
Female115985866337
Male68773938222
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Race/Ethnicity, Customized(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
White1121096560346
Black/African American2325131475
Hispanic or Latino3222132188
Other14136942
Unknown/not reported26008
Average Visual Acuity
Average Visual Acuity(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
20/12 or 20/1621220043
20/20657000135
20/25734500118
20/3217280045
20/40 or worse760013
Average Visual Acuity
Average Visual Acuity(logMAR)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
Mean0.04 ± .090.04 ± .10——0.04 ± 0.10
Interocular difference in visual acuity (lines)
Interocular difference in visual acuity (lines)(Participants)Older Cohort Observation GroupOlder Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupYounger Cohort Observation GroupYounger Cohort Occlusion Therapy GroupTotal
08685——171
>0 to<14537——82
14243——85
>1 to<245——9
261——7

14 further baseline measures are reported on the registry.

08

Study locations

2 sites
  • Southern California College of Optometry
    Fullerton, California 92831-1699, United States
  • Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology
    Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group; Cotter SA, Mohney BG, Chandler DL, Holmes JM, Repka MX, Melia M, Wallace DK, Beck RW, Birch EE, Kraker RT, Tamkins SM, Miller AM, Sala NA, Glaser SR. A randomized trial comparing part-time patching with observation for children 3 to 10 years of age with intermittent exotropia. Ophthalmology. 2014 Dec;121(12):2299-310. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.07.021. Epub 2014 Sep 16. PubMed 25234012 ↗
  • Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group; Mohney BG, Cotter SA, Chandler DL, Holmes JM, Chen AM, Melia M, Donahue SP, Wallace DK, Kraker RT, Christian ML, Suh DW. A Randomized Trial Comparing Part-time Patching with Observation for Intermittent Exotropia in Children 12 to 35 Months of Age. Ophthalmology. 2015 Aug;122(8):1718-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.04.025. Epub 2015 Jun 11. PubMed 26072346 ↗
  • Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group; Writing Committee; Mohney BG, Cotter SA, Chandler DL, Holmes JM, Wallace DK, Yamada T, Petersen DB, Kraker RT, Morse CL, Melia BM, Wu R. Three-Year Observation of Children 3 to 10 Years of Age with Untreated Intermittent Exotropia. Ophthalmology. 2019 Sep;126(9):1249-1260. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.01.015. Epub 2019 Jan 26. PubMed 30690128 ↗
  • Cotter SA, Mohney BG, Chandler DL, Holmes JM, Wallace DK, Melia BM, Wu R, Kraker RT, Superstein R, Crouch ER, Paysse EA; Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group. Three-year observation of children 12 to 35 months old with untreated intermittent exotropia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2020 Mar;40(2):202-215. doi: 10.1111/opo.12668. PubMed 32202318 ↗
  • Pang Y, Gnanaraj L, Gayleard J, Han G, Hatt SR. Interventions for intermittent exotropia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Sep 13;9(9):CD003737. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003737.pub4. PubMed 34516656 ↗
  • Holmes JM, Hercinovic A, Melia BM, Leske DA, Hatt SR, Chandler DL, Dean TW, Kraker RT, Enyedi LB, Wallace DK, Mohney BG, Cotter SA; Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group. Health-related quality of life in children with untreated intermittent exotropia and their parents. J AAPOS. 2021 Apr;25(2):80.e1-80.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2020.10.011. Epub 2021 Mar 8. PubMed 33705917 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Yes — In accordance with the NIH data sharing policy, a de-identified database is placed in the public domain on the PEDIG public website after the completion of each protocol and publication of the primary manuscript.

Time frame: The data from the 6-month study is entered. The data for the 3-year study will be made available in 2020.

Access criteria: Users will need a valid email address

Data sharing details ↗ · public.jaeb.org

10

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
Not marked actual or estimatedDates not marked actual or estimated

The record gives a start of Jan 2010, a primary completion of Dec 2015 and a completion of Dec 2015. It does not say whether these dates are actual or estimated.

Results were first posted in May 2019, 3 years 5 months after primary completion.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Dec 11, 2009
First posted
Dec 15, 2009
Start
Jan 2010
Primary completionActual
Dec 2015
CompletionActual
Dec 2015
Results first posted
May 8, 2019
Last update
May 19, 2020
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 19, 2020, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT01032330
Collaborators
Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, National Eye Institute (NEI)
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Dec 15, 2009
Start date
Jan 2010
Primary completion
Dec 2015
Completion
Dec 2015
Results posted
May 8, 2019
Last update
May 19, 2020

Study contacts

Susan A Cotter, O.D., M.S.
study chair · Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, CA
Brian G Mohney, M.D.
study chair · Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in May 2020. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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