Tests of fixation preference for amblyopia

In preverbal children with strabismus, binocular fixation pattern is often assessed to detect amblyopia. In those children without strabismus or with small angle deviations, the induced tropia test is frequently used instead. There are many variations in the techniques used to perform these tests and in their interpretations. This paper reviews data which correlates the results of these tests with recognition visual acuities in older children. In addition, a scoring system is presented that quantitates fixation preference by the induced tropia test and aids in assessing depth of amblyopia and in monitoring treatment response.