The effect of media press coverage on parental preferences in amblyopia treatment

Amblyopia has traditionally been treated by full-time occlusion of the sound eye. Recent studies have looked at the efficacy of atropine penalization and less patching in the treatment of amblyopia. These studies have drawn much attention from the lay press. This media attention may influence parent treatment preferences.

We distributed two news releases recently published by national newspapers to parents presenting to an outpatient pediatric eye clinic. They were then asked to rank atropine drops, 2-hour, 6-hour, and full-time patching (FTP) in order of preference. We then supplied additional information published in the scientific studies, but not mentioned in the lay press, and parents were asked to rerank their preferences.

A total of 53 surveys were completed. The frequency with which each method (atropine, 2-hour, 6-hour, FTP) was initially ranked #1 was 66, 21, 2, and 11%, respectively. The frequency each was ranked #1 in the follow-up survey was 30, 26, 8, and 38%, respectively. The Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-ranks test demonstrated significant changes in treatment preferences (atropine, z = -4.204, P < 0.0001; 2-hour patch, z = -2.574, P = 0.0101; 6-hour patch, z = 4.484, P < 0.0001; FTP, z = 3.703, P = 0.0002).

After having read press releases regarding amblyopia treatment, parents' preferences favored atropine and less patching. After being given additional information about the results of these studies, there was a strong shift in opinions in favor of more patching and away from atropine. The media appear to play an important role in influencing parent treatment preferences.