AMBLYOPIA: A CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

The term amblyopia as used here is considered to refer to the functional disorder of the visual apparatus characterized chiefly by subnormal vision in one or both eyes. In addition, the following characteristics are present : 1. Normal visual acuity is not obtained at the time of examination by correcting glasses or other aids. 2. Pathologic changes are not usually present in the eyes or the rest of the visual apparatus. When present, they should not in themselves fully account for the subnormal vision. If they do, amblyopia is not a factor. The response to proper treatment is usually favorable at any age. Strabismus may or may not be present. Central fixation may be either present or lost. The term amblyopia does not apply to eyes with absolute blindness. Cases of toxic amblyopia have a pathologic basis and are not considered in this discussion. Whether or not there may be