Objective   To investigate the combination of compound anisodine and physical therapy in the treatment of amblyopia

and its possible mechanism.    Methods   Totally 300 outpatients with amblyopia (3 to 14 years old) were randomly and equally divided into treatment group and control group. In the treatment group

subcutaneous injection of compound anisodine (2 ml

once per day) to the superficial temporal artery of eye was given for a course of 14 d and followed by another course after 5 days’ interval. Cover treatment was carried out at the same time. The control group was only treated with physical therapy. Vision

central retinal artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) and diastolic resistance index (RI) were measured during the 3 months’ follow-up.    Results   The 3 to 6-year-old efficiency was 75.0%

7 to 9-year-old efficiency was 69.6%

and 10 to 14-year-old efficiency was 61.1%; The difference of efficiency between therapy group and control group was very significant (P0.01). Mild amblyopia efficiency was 80.6%

moderate amblyopia efficiency was 63.6%

while severe amblyopia efficiency was 45.5%; There was a very significant difference in mild and moderate amblyopia between treatment group and control group (P0.01)

and significant difference in severe amblyopia (P0.05). After injection

PSV was increased (P0.05)

and RI was unchanged (P0.05).    Conclusion   Compound anisodine plus physical therapy for amblyopia at different ages and varying degrees are effective and safe. The mechanism may be due to enhanced retinal blood supply.