Amblyopia

Did you know that the leading cause of monocular vision loss for people of all ages can only be prevented by intervening in early childhood? Amblyopia, or decreased vision from lack of visual stimulation, affects about 3-5% of children and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated by the age of 8. Dr. Stephanie Goei, a pediatric ophthalmologist, joins medical students Lindsay Berman and Joanne Thomas to discuss detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of amblyopia in infancy and early childhood. Specifically, they will cover how to:

1. Recognize common history and physical exam findings associated with amblyopia.
2. Formulate a differential diagnosis for visual deficits in children.
3. Appreciate the importance of vision screenings as part of regular wellness visits.
4. Understand the initial diagnostic approach to amblyopia.
5. Recognize when to refer patients with visual deficits to a pediatric ophthalmologist.
6. Acknowledge how the approach to treatment of amblyopia depends on the specific etiology.

Special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Yang for peer reviewing this episode.

FREE CME Credit (requires free sign-up):  https://mcg.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=11409 

References: 

• McConaghy JR, McGuirk R. Amblyopia: Detection and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Dec 15;100(12):745-750. PMID: 31845774.
• Holmes JM, Lazar EL, Melia BM, et al.; Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group. Effect of age on response to amblyopia treatment in children. Arch Ophthalmol. 2011;129(11):1451–1457.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy statement. Visual system assessment in infants, children, and young adults by pediatricians. January 2016. Accessed December 16, 2018. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/137/1/e20153596
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Amblyopia PPP - 2017. November 2017. Accessed December 16, 2018. https://www.aao.org/preferred-practice-pattern/amblyopia-ppp-2017
• Blair K, Cibis G, Gulani AC. Amblyopia. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430890/