Impact of refractive amblyopia on neuromotor and cognitive development in children aged 6-11 years.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of refractive amblyopia on neuromotor and cognitive development in children aged 6-11 years.

METHODS

Twenty-five children diagnosed with refractive amblyopia at the Ophthalmology Clinic of Mersin University were retrospectively evaluated. The age distribution was 6 years (n=4), 7 years (n=5), 8 years (n=6), 9 years (n=4), 10 years (n=3) and 11 years (n=3). Spherical equivalent refractive error ranged from -4.00 to +7.50 diopters in the right eye and -1.50 to +7.25 diopters in the left eye. Binocular visual acuity was 1.0 in 23 children, while two children had mildly reduced binocular acuity (0.6 and 0.8). All subjects underwent the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV) test and the Bender-Gestalt Visual Motor Test (BGT) at the time of diagnosis, before initiation of optical treatment. Results were compared with normative values and analyzed according to amblyopia severity.

RESULTS

Among the children, 72% had anisometropic, 20% meridional, and 8% isoametropic amblyopia. WISC-IV subtests revealed deficits in verbal comprehension (92%), working memory (48%), and processing speed (48%). The Full-Scale IQ was below normal in 68% of cases. BGT scores were below normal in 96% of children. No significant correlation was found between amblyopia severity and test outcomes (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Refractive amblyopia appears to affect not only visual acuity but also neuromotor and cognitive development. Despite largely preserved binocular visual acuity in most children, subtle neuromotor and cognitive deficits were clearly evident. Early detection and treatment are critical in minimizing developmental disadvantages associated with amblyopia.