Effect of Amblyopia on Color Vision and Contrast Sensitivity: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This systematic review aims at evaluating broader implications of amblyopia disorder for color vision and contrast sensitivity in the context of challenging the conventional approach to treatment, when visual acuity is only treated. The review will establish whether traditional and modern treatment approaches are effective in improving the above visual functions in patients. It is argued that modern treatments are more effective in ameliorating broader ranges of visual dysfunctions.   Methods: For the purpose of the systematic review, a comprehensive search across such databases as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest to find the studies published from 2008 to 2024 was conducted. Criteria for inclusion in the systematic review comprised of the following the review included randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies if the treatment was related to the impacts on color vision and contrast sensitivity in individuals with amblyopia. The exclusion criteria included the unavailability of section on the treatment analysis. Results: The review conveys the results of studies incorporated of 43 full texts. There was substantial heterogeneity in the type of treatments and outcomes. It was found that traditional treatments, such as patching improves visual acuity, but the approach does not have a substantial effect on contrast sensitivity or color vision. On the other hand, advanced therapies overcoming these traditional deficiencies, such as perceptual learning, dichoptic training, and binocular therapy may improve contrast sensitivity by up to 40% and color vision by 30%, respectively. To conclude, modern approaches are substantially superior to traditional ones. Conclusion: The findings suggest that modern therapies offer a more comprehensive solution for ameliorating a wider range of visual dysfunctions associated with amblyopia. Keywords: Amblyopia, Color Vision, Contrast Sensitivity, Traditional Methods, Binocular Therapy.