Comparison of anisometropes with and without amblyopia

BACKGROUND: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.