Amblyopia in the pediatric population – etiopathogenesis and current therapeutic approaches. A review of recent literature

Abstract

Amblyopia is a visual development disorder defined as a reduction in best-corrected visual acuity. It is the most common cause of unilateral visual impairment in the pediatric population, affecting approximately 1% to 5% of children worldwide. According to current literature, the global burden of amblyopia may reach 221.9 million people by 2040. The most common causes of amblyopia include strabismus (19%–50%), refractive errors (46%–79%), anisometropia, and optical media opacities. Therapeutic management involves stepwise refractive correction, occlusion of the better-seeing eye, or atropine penalization, complemented by selected optical or surgical approaches in deprivation-related cases. In recent years, binocular (dichoptic) therapies, such as digital platforms and eye-tracking systems aimed at reducing suppression and improving binocular function, have gained increasing attention. Early detection, individualized treatment plans, and systematic monitoring remain essential for achieving sustained visual improvement. This article reviews the 2020–2026 literature on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and current management strategies for amblyopia in children.