Quick answer
Dichoptic therapy shows each eye a different image. It lowers the contrast seen by the stronger eye, so the brain stops suppressing the weaker, amblyopic eye and both eyes start working together. Studies in children and adults show it can improve visual acuity and stereopsis, the ability to see depth in 3D.
Theory of dichoptic training bases on the concept that the binocular circuitry from the weak amblyopic eye is actively suppressed by the strong fellow eye. Dichoptic training tasks reduce fellow eye contrast to rebalance the contrast between the eyes. Dichoptic treatment of amblyopia promotes binocular vision and reduces inhibitory interactions within the visual cortex. Reduce suppression within the visual cortex was found enhancing improvements in binocular visual function in adult amblyopes. Repeated exposures to dichoptic motion coherence threshold stimuli effectively reduce suppression in adults with amblyopia, which in turn improve visual acuity and stereopsis. These visual improvements are sustained and have so far been demonstrated in adults well beyond the critical period of visual development.
Medically reviewed by Puneet (B.Optom, BNYS), Co-founder and CEO of CureSee, on 19 October 2026. This article is general information about eye health, not medical advice. Please talk to your eye doctor about your own eyes and treatment.