Treatment of Anisometropic Amblyopia in Children with Refractive Correction

Background: Amblyopia, commonly caused by anisometropia, is a leading cause of monocular vision loss in children. This study evaluates the effectiveness of refractive correction alone in treating untreated anisometropic amblyopia. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of refractive correction alone in treating untreated anisometropic amblyopia in children. Methods: This prospective study, conducted from February to July 2007 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and the National Institute of Ophthalmology, involved 28 children (ages 3–7) with untreated anisometropic amblyopia. Spectacles were prescribed, and visual acuity was monitored every 5 weeks until stabilization or resolution. Acuity improvement was analyzed based on age, baseline VA, and anisometropia type and degree. Results: Most children had a VA of 20/80 (19%) or 20/63 (23%), with a mean VA of .60 logMAR (20/80). Post-treatment, 56% achieved 20/20 VA. By 25 weeks, 18 participants reached no further improvement (IOD > 2) and 8 reached IOD ≤ 1. Resolution rates varied by age but were not significant. Anisometropia degree significantly impacted resolution, especially 57% in the 0.50–<1.00 D group. Baseline amblyopic eye acuity significantly correlated with resolution, notably 67% in the 20/50 group. Spherical equivalent only (≥0.50 D) showed 25% resolution. Conclusion: Refractive correction alone improves visual acuity and resolves amblyopia in one-third of children aged 3 to <7 years with untreated anisometropic amblyopia, particularly in moderate cases (20/40–20/100).