ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and applicability of telescopic spectacle in amblyopia therapy in association with occlusion, and to obtain the effects of this therapy in cases over 9 years of age. Material and Method: Ninety-eight cases with monocular amblyopia (visual acuity of the better eye was 20/20) were included in the study between May 2002 and November 2003 and 4 groups were formed according to telescopic spectacles prescription and the age. Group A was composed of 34 cases over 9 years of age for whom telescopic spectacles and patching therapies were given, group B included 32 cases over 9 years of age for whom only patching was given, 18 cases that are younger than 9 years of age in group C had telescopic spectacles and patching therapies and 14 cases, younger than 9 years of age in group D had only patching therapy. Groups were compared in terms of compliance to the therapy, visual improvement, and binocular functions. VEP amplitudes and latencies were compared for objective evidence of improvement. Results: Statistically significant increase in visual acuity was obtained in all cases who showed compliance to therapy regardless of the age. However, binocular functions were significantly better and improved more rapidly in cases less than 9 years of age.The increase in VEP amplitude was statistically significantly higher in group A after the treatment (p 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that telescopic spectacles prescription in association with patching therapy increased the compliance to the amblyopia treatment 1.4 to 2.7 folds and significant visual acuity increase can be obtained in cases over 9 years of age. Prescription of telescopic spectacles together with patching therapy is an efficient method that can be used in amblyopia therapy since it increases compliance to therapy and it creates intense visual stimulation.
