Primary prevention
When risk factors are identified, perform at least one comprehensive ophthalmic exam.[1][32] Risk factors include:[1][32]
Uveitis
Ptosis
Gestational age <30 weeks
Birth weight <1500 g
Delayed visual or neurologic maturation of unclear etiology
Cerebral palsy
Syndromes with ocular involvement (e.g., Down syndrome)
A family history of amblyopia, strabismus, childhood cataract, or childhood glaucoma
Structural abnormality of the retina or vitreous
It is also important to correct amblyogenic refractive errors.[1] See Screening.
Secondary prevention
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that patients who are functionally monocular due to amblyopia should receive help to prevent vision loss to the better-seeing eye by:[1]
Wearing polycarbonate spectacles even if they do not require refractive correction
Wearing protective goggles and facial protection for contact sports and potentially dangerous activities such as paintball
Having regular eye exams throughout life
Inform patients with any degree of vision loss about vision rehabilitation, because even early vision loss can be associated with disability. Referral should always be considered in patients who report difficulty with visual tasks, or difficulty adjusting to vision change, and those with best corrected visual acuity <20/40 in the better eye. Vision rehabilitation should be individualized to each patient and extend beyond optical correction to improve other meaningful outcomes (e.g., reading, daily living activities, safety, community participation, and psychosocial well-being).[106] Although there is insufficient evidence to recommend active interventions (e.g., binocular therapy), these may have a place in some patients.[1][76][118][119][120][121][122]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer