EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERMITTENT OCCLUSION GLASSES VERSUS CONTINUOUS PATCHING IN IMPROVING VISUAL OUTCOMES AND COMPLIANCE IN UNILATERAL AMBLYOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment in children. Traditional occlusion therapy using patching, although effective, often suffers from poor compliance and psychological challenges. Intermittent occlusion therapy (IOT) using liquid crystal glasses offers a promising alternative that may improve compliance and binocular visual outcomes. To compare the effectiveness of intermittent occlusion therapy with traditional continuous occlusion therapy in improving visual acuity, stereoacuity, treatment compliance, and parental satisfaction in children with unilateral amblyopia.

Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of SMCH Hospital. Seventy children aged 3 to 8 years diagnosed with moderate unilateral amblyopia were randomized into two groups: Continuous Occlusion Group (COG, n=35) and Intermittent Occlusion Group (IOG, n=35). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using age-appropriate charts. Stereoacuity was evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks using the Titmus fly test. Treatment compliance was recorded, and parental satisfaction was assessed at 12 weeks using a structured questionnaire.

Results: At 12 weeks, the mean BCVA improvement was significantly greater in the IOG group (3.4 ± 0.5 lines) compared to the COG group (2.7 ± 0.6 lines, p = 0.001). Stereoacuity improved significantly more in the IOG group (p = 0.001). Good compliance (>75%) was observed in 88.6% of the IOG group versus 62.9% in the COG group (p = 0.008). High parental satisfaction was reported in 80% of IOG cases compared to 54% in the COG group (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Intermittent occlusion therapy is an effective and child-friendly alternative to continuous occlusion therapy for the management of unilateral amblyopia. It offers superior compliance, better visual outcomes, and higher parental satisfaction, suggesting it may be a preferred option for amblyopia management in young children.