Pediatric photorefractive keratectomy for anisometropic amblyopia: A review

Amblyopia is one of the most important reversible eye disorders in children and different treatments are suggested. Early diagnosis and effective treatment in amblyogenic age are important criteria. These critical periods correspond to the period when the child’s developing visual system is sensitive to abnormal input caused by stimulus deprivation, strabismus or significant refractive errors. Traditional treatments such as glass wearing, contact lens used with patch therapy have limitations. Laser corneal refractive surgeries introduce an alternative for the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia. Current indications for refractive surgery include anisometropia, bilateral high myopia and accommodative esotropia. Several reports confirmed that with recent development in keratorefractive surgery, it could be a safe method to be used in children. The goal of the permanent surgical treatment is to reduce refractive errors, treat amblyopia and make better the binocular function. Corneal haze is certainly a major concern in children receiving surface ablation, especially in high myopic treatments. However, controversies still exist on whether it could be done in this population or not. This article reviews the available data about refractive surgery for treating anisometropic amblyopia.