Objective: To determine the visual acuity outcome at age 10 years for children younger than 7 years when enrolled in a treatment trial for moderate amblyopia.
Methods: In a multicenter clinical trial, 419 children with amblyopia (visual acuity, 20/40-20/100) were randomized to patching or atropine eyedrops for 6 months. Two years after enrollment, a subgroup of 188 children entered long-term follow-up. Treatment after 6 months was at the discretion of the investigator; 89% of children were treated.
Main outcome measure: Visual acuity at age 10 years with the electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study test.
Application to clinical practice: Patching and atropine eyedrops produce comparable improvement in visual acuity that is maintained through age 10 years.