Extended wear soft contact lenses in the treatment of strabismic amblyopia

17 amblyopic children between 4 and 9 years were fitted with high power plus extended wear soft contact lenses (Scanlens 24 h, Duragel 75) for optical occlusion of strabismic amblyopia. Amblyopia and eccentric fixation responded quickly to treatment between 2 to 13 weeks. Only one patient failed to reach 6/9, and 11 patients achieved equal visual acuity. Out of 10 patients with eccentric fixation only two remained eccentric after treatment. The contact lenses were tolerated by the children. Among the problems, concerning the use of extended wear soft contact lenses, should be mentioned fitting problems, deposits, loss of lenses (1 child needed 4 lenses) and occurrence of conjunctivitis (5 eyes). No major infections were seen. A one year follow-up showed that almost all the children needed renewed occlusion treatment. It is therefore recommended to continue with contact lens occlusion for at total period of 3 months.