Amblyopia
Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is an eye condition that results in reduced vision in one eye. Amblyopia usually affects one eye but has been known to affect both eyes. Amblyopia is the leading cause of visual impairment among children. If left untreated, amblyopia can result in the permanent loss of vision in the affected eye. This condition affects two to three percent of the population as a result of genetic causes, related conditions or trauma. Treatment of amblyopia in children has begun as early as one week old.
Causes of Amblyopia
Causes of amblyopia may include:
- One eye has better vision than the other eye
- The eyes are misaligned
- Strabismus
- Childhood cataract
- Astigmatism
- Hyperopia
- Myopia
- Trauma
Symptoms of Amblyopia
Patients with amblyopia may experience the following symptoms:
- Poor vision in one eye
- Eyestrain
- Squinting
- Headache
- Problems with depth perception
- Eyes that do not seem to work with each other
Diagnosis of Amblyopia
Most elementary schools have a vision screening program for amblyopia. Pediatricians are able to check a child's vision with regard to:
- Light being able to penetrate the eyes
- Vision is equal in both eyes
- Eye movement is normal in both eyes
If there is an issue with the child's eyes, a recommendation to an eye specialist should be made.
Treatment of Amblyopia
Treatment of amblyopia is focused on using only the affected eye so that it could be strengthened. Strengthening of the affected eye can be accomplished by some of the following methods:
- Patching the good eye which forces the lazy eye to strengthen
- Eye drops in the stronger eye that cause it to lose focus
- Corrective lenses
- Ocular exercises
If the case of amblyopia is severe and other methods of treatment have been unsuccessful, cataract surgery or strabismus surgery may be necessary.