Comparison of anisometropes with and without amblyopia

To compare binocular functions in amblyopic and non-amblyopic anisometropes and to investigate the possible associated factors for amblyopia development such as type of refractive error and initial age of refractive error correction.

Prospectively anisometropic subjects with (n=42) and without amblyopia (n=33) were included in the study. Full ophthalmological examination including binocularity and motility was performed.

There was no statistically significant difference between the ages at the time of initial refractive error correction (P =0.946). All of the anisometropes (100%) had fusion with Worth 4-dot test and Bagolini glasses. However 81% of amblyopic subjects had fusion with Worth 4 dot test and 88.1% had normal response with Bagolini glasses. Median stereopsis was 60 sec of arc in anisometropic subjects and 400 sec of arc in amblyopes.

Our data support that, binocular functions are well developed in anisometropes without amblyopia and initial age at correction of refractive error has no primary effect on development of amblyopia.