Review of amblyopia treatment: Are we overtreating children with amblyopia?

Abstract

Aim: Amblyopia is a common reason for outpatient treatment in childhood. This review aims to provide an overview of recent research on amblyopia treatment. Methods: A literature-based review was carried out of evidence available on amblyopia management with additional personal comments on some issues. Results: Recent research evidence has shown that: refractive adaptation is a significant component of the therapeutic response, compliance with patching is problematic, most of the response to patching occurs within 6-8 weeks, and recurrence after cessation of treatment is less frequent if patching is weaned. However, this evidence from clinical trials has yet to be fully incorporated into practice: we are over-treating children. Conclusions: Utilising information gleaned from recent research will enable clinicians to reduce the amount of patching which children being treated for amblyopia receive, with benefits to compliance with treatment and use of health service resources.