Is it mandatory to treat amblyopia prior to surgery in esotropia?

PURPOSE: To determine whether presence of amblyopia has any influence on the outcome of motor and sensory success in cases of esotropia.

METHODS

100 patients were taken for this study. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 each. Amblyopia was fully treated in group I and patients in group II underwent surgery before full treatment of amblyopia. Motor success (+/- 10 PD of orthophoria) was assessed three months after surgery and at the child's most recent visit by comparing the motor alignment at 6 meter and 0.33 meter distance using accommodative target in primary position. Sensory success was assessed by comparing the frequency of detectable stereoacuity.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in motor success (84% vs 75%) and sensory success (55% vs 50%) whether amblyopia was fully treated or partially treated.

CONCLUSION

It is not mandatory to treat ambloypia prior to surgery, unless it is a case of infantile esotropia with moderate amblyopia and amblyopia therapy is continued post operatively.