What is Amblyopia (Lazy eye) ?

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is the eye condition noted by reduced vision not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. The brain, for some reason, does not fully acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye. This almost always affects only one eye but may also manifest with reduction of vision in both eyes. It is estimated that three percent of children under six have some form of amblyopia.

What causes of Amblyopia ?

Visual development occurs rapidly in the early years of life, and continues until approximately first 7 to 8 years of age. If the black of the eye (retina) and the brain do not receive a clear focused image during this time of visual development, the child's vision development will be affected. Hence the term "Lazy Eye" or "Amblyopia".

Generally amblyopia may be caused by one or more of the following -

A) Squint

B) Difference in the spectacle correction required by each eye - Anisometropia

C) Need for a very strong spectacle correction for both eyes

D) Obstruction to light passing through eye - Corneal Opacity, Cataract etc.

How to diagnose of Amblyopia ?

Since amblyopia usually occurs in one eye only, many parents and children may be unaware of the condition. Far too many parents fail to take their infants and toddlers in for an early comprehensive vision examination and many children go undiagnosed until they have their eyes examined at the eye doctor's office at a later age. A detailed examination which may also include examination with cycloplegic eye drops can be necessary to detect this condition in the young.

How to treat of Amblyopia ?

Early treatment is usually simple, employing glasses, vision therapy and / or patching of the eye. Detection and correction before at the earliest age offers the best chance for a cure. Every amblyopic patient deserves an attempt at treatment.

What is Eye Patching or Occlusion?

Amblyopia is potentially correctable condition, which is often treated by covering (occluding) the better eye with a patch in order to stimulate the lazy (amblyopic) eye and improve vision. Amblyopia is harder to treat above the age of 8 to 10 years. If your child is old enough, explain the seriousness of her vision problem and the consequences of not following the prescribed treatment plan. Kids love to be special. Decorate your child's patches with crayons, markers, stickers, sequins. Draw holiday patches and designs. Have fun and encourage your child to participate. Talk with your child's teachers. Let them know what is going on with your child. Many times they are ready to help and can explain the vision problem to other students.

What happens if amblyopia goes untreated?

If not treated early enough, an amblyopic eye may never develop good vision and may even become functionally blind