[Macular light sensitivity and afferent pupillary function in children's amblyopia].

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of macular light sensitivity (MLS) and relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in anisometropic and ametropic amblyopia in school-aged children.

METHODS

By using the static perimetry technique and swinging light test, we assessed MLS and RAPD in normal subjects, anisometropic and ametropic amblyopia in school-aged children.

RESULTS

In comparison with the normal group, the MLS in both anisometropic and ametropic amblyopic eyes was significantly depressed. The MLS of the fellow eyes of the amblyopic eyes in anisometropic subjects was also depressed as compared with that of the normal group. The rate of RAPD was positive in 34.29% in the anisometropic amblyopic group.

CONCLUSIONS

The static perimetry technique demonstrates a marked depression of MLS in all amblyopic eyes tested, suggesting a defect of visual X-channel. The pathogenesis of monocular amblyopia and binocular amblyopia is probably different, thus MLS examination can help assess prognosis. RAPD in anisometropic amblyopia may reflect a deficiency of peripheral visual system. The fellow eye of the anisometropic amblyopia eye may also be abnormal in terms of psychophysical standard.