Could a seizure drug fix lazy eye in teens?

NCT ID NCT07226141

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether adding the drug valproate to standard patching therapy can improve vision in children aged 8 to 17 with lazy eye (amblyopia). Participants will take valproate or a placebo daily for 8 weeks while patching the stronger eye. The study aims to see if valproate helps the weaker eye see better and whether any improvement lasts.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: valproate (an anti-epileptic drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to improve vision in older children with lazy eye who haven't responded to standard treatment alone.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 1/2 trial with only 28 participants, so results may not apply widely. Valproate can cause side effects like drowsiness or liver issues, and the vision improvement may be small or temporary.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

amblyopia ametropic amblyopia suppression amblyopia vision disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AMBLYOPIA AMBLYOPIA STRABISMIC AMBLYOPIA UNILATERAL AMBLYOPIA, ANISOMETROPIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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