Outcome of Occlusion Treatment for Amblyopia
Prinda Siangyai, B.Sc. (Nursing)
Supaporn Tengtrisorn, M.D.
*Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkhla University

ABSTRACT : A retrospective study way undertaken to determine the level of visual acuity following occlusion treatment on amblyopia in children and to analyze the factors that influence the outcome. Between October 1999 and September 2003, fifty-seven patients (20 boys and 37 girls) with anisometropic, strabismic amblyopia and anisometropic strabismic amblyopia were diagnosed and treated by occlusion of the good eyes at the Department of Ophthalmology, Songkhlanagarind Hospital. The average age at the time of treatment was 7.11 ? 2.86 years (range 3-14.4 years). For outcome, visual acuity in the amblyopic eye equal or less than normal eye 1 Snellen line at least 3 months was considered a successful outcome (S) of occlusion treatment, visual acuity in the amblyopic eye improved but less than the good eye 2 Snellen lines was considered a partial successful 47.37%, 22.81% and 29.82% respetively. Factors significantly associated with a successful outcome in the amblyopic eye were compliance, age, degree of anisometropia, level of refractive error and first corrected visual acuity.
Occluding the good eye improved the level of vision to a certain acceptable degree (p < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with a successful outcome were compliance, age, the degree of anisometropia, level of refractive error and first corrected visual acuity at start of treatment. An occlusion protocol is suggested aimed at further improving compliance and visual outcome. We suggest preschool screening for anisometropia and strabismus for early detection and treatment of amblyopia.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2004 ; January-June : 18(1) : 67-76.