Amblyopia and sensory features at initial presentation of Brown syndrome: an issue to recognize

Purpose To investigate the frequency of amblyopia and sensory features at initial presentation in patients who had unilateral congenital Brown syndrome (BS) and to identify the potential risk factors for amblyopia in BS. Methods The study conducted with patients who had unilateral congenital BS. Patient demographics, visual acuity, refractive errors, amount of horizontal and vertical deviations, abnormal head position, fusion, and stereopsis were all reviewed. The main outcome measure was the frequency of amblyopia at initial presentation. Results The review identified 44 patients with BS (median age 5 years). The frequency of amblyopia was 15.9% (seven patients) in BS at initial presentation. Patient age (P = 0.297), ocular alignment at primary position (P = 0.693), anisometropia (P = 0.184), and stereoacuity (P = 0.061) were found to have no significant relation with amblyopia. The main associated risk factor was the absence of sensory fusion (P = 0.013). Conclusions Amblyopia may be encountered among patients with BS, and may be related to binocularity of the patient. Its recognition may be a critical step during the treatment planning and may determine presumably the success of future therapies. Eye (2013) 27, 515-518; doi:10.1038/eye.2012.306; published online 1 February 2013