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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
The Measurement and Treatment of Suppression in Amblyopia
Published on: December 14, 2012
Pediatric eye disease investigator group amblyopia treatment review
Insights
Most eye care professionals continue traditional amblyopia treatment methods, like patching, despite recent Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) studies. Their practices show minimal changes in response to new amblyopia treatment research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Eye Care
- Clinical Research
Background:
- The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) conducts vital clinical research on pediatric eye conditions.
- PEDIG's Amblyopia Treatment Studies (ATS) have investigated various treatment regimens and their long-term outcomes.
- Four ATS studies are published, with four more pending release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how ophthalmologists and orthoptists in British Columbia are adapting their amblyopia treatment strategies.
- To understand the influence of recent PEDIG studies on clinical practice regarding amblyopia management.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to ophthalmologists and orthoptists at a seminar in British Columbia.
- Participants were questioned about their current amblyopia treatment protocols in light of PEDIG findings.
Main Results:
- Ninety percent of respondents use patching as the primary treatment for moderate amblyopia.
- Over 50% use patching for 4+ hours daily, with 83% incorporating near exercises.
- Two-thirds use patching for 6+ hours daily for severe amblyopia; atropine is used daily by those who employ it.
- Most believe amblyopia is treatable up to age 12-14 years.
Conclusions:
- The majority of surveyed ophthalmologists and orthoptists have not significantly altered their amblyopia treatment approaches.
- Clinical practices appear slow to integrate findings from recent PEDIG amblyopia research.
Introduction:
The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), formed in 1997, has been dedicated to clinical research of eye diseases affecting children. Over the last three years, PEDIG has studied the efficacy of amblyopia treatment regimes, and has followed the long-term outcomes of these regimes. These studies are known as the Amblyopia Treatment Studies (ATS) and have been sorted into eight categories. Four of these have been published and four are still awaiting publication.
Method:
A survey of ophthalmologists and orthoptists attending a seminar in British Columbia, Canada. They were questioned as to how they treat amblyopia in light of the PEDIG studies.
Results:
Ninety percent continue to use patching as their first method of treatment in moderate amblyopia. Over 50% will patch four hours/day or more to begin treatment and 83% will use near exercises to augment the patching. Two thirds will begin patching six or more hours/day in patients with severe amblyopia. Those that use atropine, use it daily rather than on weekends. Most felt that amblyopia could be treated to age 12 years and some thought it could be treated to 14 years.
Conclusion:
Most ophthalmologists and orthoptists taking the survey have not significantly changed their approach to amblyopia treatment in light of the recent PEDIG studies.
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