Current Management of Childhood Amblyopia

Korean J Ophthalmol. 2019 Dec;33(6):557-568. doi: 10.3341/kjo.2019.0061.

Abstract

Amblyopia is defined as the reduction of best-corrected visual acuity of one or both eyes caused by conditions that affect normal visual development. The basic strategy to treat amblyopia is to obtain a clear retinal image in each eye and correct ocular dominance through forced use of the amblyopic eye. Treatment modalities include correcting any underlying organic disease, prescribing appropriate optical correction, and providing occlusion/penalization therapy for the non-amblyopic eye. Given the success of amblyopia treatment declines with increasing age, the detection and management of amblyopia should begin as early as possible during the sensitive period for visual development. Proper management of amblyopia during childhood can reduce the overall prevalence and severity of visual loss. This study aims to provide an update for the management of childhood amblyopia to provide better visual outcomes.

Keywords: Amblyopia; Optical correction; Patching; Pharmacologic treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amblyopia / therapy*
  • Atropine / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eyeglasses*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Orthokeratologic Procedures*
  • Refraction, Ocular
  • Sensory Deprivation
  • Therapeutic Occlusion*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Atropine