AIM: Many studies have demonstrated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-1-subunit (NMDAR1) is associated with amblyopia. The effectiveness of levodopa in improving the visual function of the children with amblyopia has also been proved. But the mechanism is undefined. Our study was to explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: Sixty 14-day-old healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including normal group, monocular deprivation group, levodopa group and normal saline group, 15 rats each. We sutured all the rats’ unilateral eyelids except normal group to establish the monocular deprivation animal model and raise them in normal sunlight till 45-day-old. NMDAR1 was detected in the visual cortex with immunohistochemistry methods, Western Blot and Real time PCR. LD and NS groups were gavaged with levodopa(40mg/kg) and normal saline for 28 days respectively. NMDAR1 was also detected with the methods above. RESULTS: NMDAR1 in the visual cortex of MD group was less than that of normal group. NMDAR1 in the visual cortex of LD group was more than that of NS group. CONCLUSION: NMDAR1 is associated with the plasticity of visual development. Levodopa may influence the expression of NMDAR1 and improve visual function, and its target may lie in the visual cortex.