K H Park1, J-M Hwang, J K Ahn. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Sungnam, Korea.
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.
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.
Authors: Janine D Mendola; Ian P Conner; Anjali Roy; Suk-Tak Chan; Terry L Schwartz; J Vernon Odom; Kenneth K Kwong Journal: Hum Brain Mapp Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 5.038