The detection, prevention, and rehabilitation of amblyopia

Some of the past year's important papers on amblyopia are reviewed. Preschool screening for amblyopia is still controversial in regard to its effectiveness, the best age, and the most cost-effective method. In Sweden, where screening for amblyopia is well established, the prevalence of deep and moderate amblyopia has been markedly reduced. Several studies in the past year underscored the importance of anisometropia as a risk factor for amblyopia. Clear evidence for the importance of early treatment of unilateral cataracts in the first 8 weeks of life has been shown. Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine administration has been shown to positively influence amblyopia and represents, in addition to levodopa, another promising pharmacologic treatment.