Treatment of Amblyopia and Amblyopia Risk Factors Based on Current Evidence

Semin Ophthalmol. 2017;32(1):1-7. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2016.1228408. Epub 2016 Oct 17.

Abstract

Purpose: Amblyopia is a leading cause of low vision and warrants timely management during childhood. We performed a literature review of the management of amblyopia and potential risk factors for amblyopia.

Methods: Literature review of the management of amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia.

Results: Common amblyopia risk factors include anisometropic or high refractive error, strabismus, cataract, and ptosis. Often a conservative approach with spectacles is enough to prevent amblyopia. However, surgery may be necessary to clear the visual axis or align the eyes.

Conclusion: Amblyopia risk factors should be managed early. Though amblyopia treatment is more likely to be successful at a younger age, those who are older but treatment-naïve may still respond to treatment. Promoting binocular or dichoptic experiences may be the future direction of amblyopia management.

Keywords: Amblyopia; PEDIG.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amblyopia / etiology
  • Amblyopia / therapy*
  • Atropine / therapeutic use
  • Blepharoptosis / complications
  • Cataract / complications
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Mydriatics / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Refractive Errors / complications
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensory Deprivation
  • Strabismus / complications

Substances

  • Mydriatics
  • Atropine