Navigating Presbyopia Conversations with Patients in Practice
Optometry 360
Home > Pilot data show similar visual acuity across contrast polarities in amblyopia

Pilot data show similar visual acuity across contrast polarities in amblyopia

Optometry 360

Key Takeaways

  1. No significant visual acuity differences were found between black and white letters in amblyopic, fellow, or control eyes.
  2. Pilot data showed a trend toward poorer VA with white letters, but a larger sample is needed.

A pilot study including children ages 3 to 7 years found no significant difference in visual acuity (VA) when measured with white letters on a black background compared with black letters on a white background in children with unilateral amblyopia or control participants, according to a presentation at Academy 2026 Anaheim.

The study included 5 children with amblyopia and 11 controls. Using a digital HOTV VA program, researchers measured monocular VA with both contrast polarities and repeated measurements after 30 minutes. Amblyopic eyes had mean logMAR VA of 0.42 with black letters and 0.44 with white letters, compared with 0.06 and 0.09, respectively, in fellow eyes and 0.05 and 0.07 in control eyes.

Amblyopic eyes had significantly higher mean logMAR VA than fellow eyes and control eyes with both contrast polarities (both P < 0.001). Fellow and control eyes did not differ significantly (P = 0.85). Within each group, there were no significant differences between black- and white-letter VA.

The pilot data showed a trend toward poorer VA with white letters, although the difference was not statistically significant. The researchers noted enrollment is ongoing, with a target of 15 participants per group to further evaluate the findings.

Reference

Fasulo A, et al. Effect of Contrast Polarity on HOTV Visual Acuity in 3-7 Year Old Children with Amblyopia. Presented at: American Academy of Optometry (Academy 2026); September 30-October 3, 2026; Anaheim, CA.

Related Content