Dr. Suchieta Jennil P
BACKGROUND Amblyopia is characterized by decrease in best corrected visual acuity which can be unilateral or bilateral with no identifiable cause in the eye and visual pathway. Early diagnosis of amblyopia is very essential as the chance of improvement in visual acuity to standard levels is high when treatment is instituted early in childhood. MATERIALS AND METHODS 40 patients of age 4 to 40 years with amblyopia due to various causes were included in the study. A detailed history of the patient, unaided visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp examination for anterior segment evaluation, fundus examination for posterior segment evaluation, cycloplegic refraction, assessment of strabismus and extra ocular movements was evaluated at the time of presentation and followed up during the study period. All patients with amblyopia having refractive errors were advised appropriate glasses before occlusion therapy. Refraction was repeated once in two months. Occlusion therapy was advised to all patients combined with near vision activities. The near vision activities included reading, threading beads, writing, drawing, etc. The importance of compliance to treatment was emphasized to the patients and their family. They were followed up regularly and best corrected visual acuity was recorded.
