Monday, October 15, 2012

Amblyopia and Depth Perception

L. writes:

Dr. Felker,

I'm currently studying medicine with an interest in pursuing surgery.  However, I have amblyopia with 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye.  I know this impairs depth perception.   My question is whether this will prevent me from operating with surgical loupes in tiny fields where depth perception is quite important?   And if so, how can this problem be overcome?

L.,

Fortunately, depth perception is determined by more than central visual acuity alone. 
Also fortunately, Dr. Susan Cotter just published her findings on research regarading
improving central acuity in adults with amblyopia.  In a nutshell, she found: providing the optimal optical correction for the amblyopic eye, patching the good or dominant eye a portion of each day, and stimulating the amblyopic eye with some of the newer devices on the market will often lead to
a line or two better acuity (which would possibly give you 20/20 in your amblyopic eye.  I will see
if I can find a binocular or visual therapy specialist in Ireland for you.

Dr. Felker