Efficacy of amblyopia therapy initiated after 9 years of age

Abstract

Aims/purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of occlusion therapy initiated after 9 years of age. Methods. A total of 16 amblyopes of 9 years or older (range, 9.0-14.5 years; mean, 10.5 years) with a difference in visual acuity of over two lines between the eyes alter 4 weeks of first full-time spectacle wear were included. None of the children had undergone a previous ocular examination, had ever worn spectacles, received occlusion therapy, or had strabismus surgery. Initial worst visual acuity after 4 weeks of full-time spectacle wear was 20/100 in three patients, between 20/80 and 20/40 in 11 patients, and 20/30 in two patients. Full-time occlusion was performed in 14 patients and part-time occlusion in two patients. Results. The final visual acuity of 15 out of 16 patients (94%) improved at least two lines. The final visual acuities ranged from 20/30 to 20/20 in 14 patients, 20/40 in one patient, and 20/50 in one remaining patient who began amblyopia therapy at 14.5 years of age, with the poorest compliance among the patients. Conclusions. Occlusion therapy for anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia can be successful even if initiated after the age of 9 years. © 2004 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.