Is it mandatory to treat amblyopia prior to surgery in esotropia?

PURPOSE: To determine whether presence of amblyopia has any influence on the outcome of motor and sensory success in cases of esotropia. METHODS: 100 patients were taken for this study. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 each. Amblyopia was fully treated in group I and patients in group II underwent surgery before full treatment of amblyopia. Motor success (+/- 10 PD of orthophoria) was assessed three months after surgery and at the child's most recent visit by comparing the motor alignment at 6 meter and 0.33 meter distance using accommodative target in primary position. Sensory success was assessed by comparing the frequency of detectable stereoacuity. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in motor success (84% vs 75%) and sensory success (55% vs 50%) whether amblyopia was fully treated or partially treated. CONCLUSION: It is not mandatory to treat ambloypia prior to surgery, unless it is a case of infantile esotropia with moderate amblyopia and amblyopia therapy is continued post operatively.