In the amblyopia treatment studies conducted by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, for moderate amblyopia (visual acuity 20/40 to 20/80) in children aged 3 to 7 years, which patching regimen produced visual outcomes equivalent to 6 hours of daily patching?
- A Full-time occlusion throughout waking hours
- B Patching 2 hours daily combined with 1 hour of near work ✓
- C Patching only during sleep
- D Alternate-day patching every third day
Correct answer: B. Patching 2 hours daily combined with 1 hour of near work
Explanation
PEDIG randomised trials demonstrated that 2 hours of daily patching achieves improvement comparable to 6 hours for moderate amblyopia, and that prescribing near visual activities during patching further supports gains. This established that modest prescribed doses suffice, improving compliance. Full-time occlusion yields no better final acuity and risks reverse amblyopia and skin irritation, while intermittent schedules such as alternate-day patching were not the studied equivalent regimens.
Reference: AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 6: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 2023-2024 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.