Review
Amblyopia treatment: from research to practice
Author:
Marie Cleary
Orthoptic Department, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Rood, Glasgow G12 0YN, GB
About Marie
PhD DBO Cert Ed
Abstract
Aim: To review recent literature on occlusion treatment, focusing on the issues of dosage, factors affecting outcome including compliance, and the age limit for treatment. The piloted virtual-reality-based treatment developed in Nottingham will be discussed.
Methods: A literature-based review was conducted to produce a summary of evidence-based guidelines which can be applied in clinical practice.
Results: There is mounting evidence for the beneficial effects of occlusion treatment in amblyopia. A period of at least 18 weeks of spectacle adaptation is indicated before implementation of occlusion. An initial daily dose of occlusion of 2-6 hours should be effective for most children; full-time occlusion should be reserved for those who fail to respond to part-time occlusion. Treatment effect is greatest within the first 400 hours or 6 months of occlusion wear.
Conclusions: It is vital that clinicians use the best possible evidence-base in selecting appropriate treatment. This can be used to inform patients, and provide them with choice as to how their treatment is to be implemented.
How to Cite:
Cleary, M., 2007. Amblyopia treatment: from research to practice. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 4, pp.9–14. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22599/bioj.205
Published on
01 Jan 2007.
Peer Reviewed
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