The Role of Binocularity in Anisometropic Amblyopia

Abstract

Anisometropic amblyopia is unilateral by definition and current treatment recommendations reflect that characteristic. However, recent research suggests a binocular component that deserves consideration. The aim of this review is to consider the levels of anisometropia deemed amblyogenic, and the cortical changes that occur in the presence of anisometropic amblyopia. Particular attention is given to cortical changes that impact the binocularity of these individuals. Knowledge of binocular deficits in anisometropic amblyopia has implications for current, accepted treatment regimens which are monocular in nature. Therefore, the integrity of binocular function in anisometropic amblyopia and its impact on the visual outcome will be evaluated. Given the rise in binocular treatments under clinical trial for amblyopia, this review also aims to evaluate the evidence of potentially enhanced benefits to anisometropic amblyopes from proposed new binocular therapies.

Keywords: Amblyopia; ansiometropia; binocularity; dichoptic training; visual cortex.