Qualitative Assessment of Binocular and Monocular Visual Function in Successfully Treated Amblyopes

Chung, J K; Choi, Kyung Seek; Park, Song Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the binocular and monocular visual function in successfully treated amblyopes.
METHODS
Sixty-nine patients who gained normal visual acuity after amblyopia treatment and twenty normal controls were enrolled in this study. Binocular and monocular visual function was assessed with a stereoacuity test and a foveal threshold test respectively. Main outcomes were compared among the groups and factors which affect final visual function were determined.
RESULTS
Stereoacuity showed 224.6 seconds of arc in strabismic amblyopia group, 91.8 seconds of arc in anisometropic amblyopia group, 74.3 seconds of arc in visual-deprivation amblyopia group, and 46.5 seconds of arc in control group. The strabismic amblyopia group after successful amblyopia treatment showed a significant decreased stereoacuity (p=0.000) and linear relationship between the depth of amblyopia and stereoacuity (r=0.448, p=0.002). A 1.0-dB depression of the foveal threshold, compared with sound eye, was found in amblyopic eyes of the strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia groups.
CONCLUSIONS
An abnormal binocular visual function remains after amblyopia treatment in cases of strabismic amblyopia because of a suppression or insufficient bifoveal fusion during critical period, despite of normal visual acuity development, and there is a shallow foveal depression in amblyopic eyes of patient in the strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia groups.