Amblyopia: everything you need to know

What is amblyopia?

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a frequent vision disorder that mainly affects young children. It presents as a reduced visual acuity in one eye, or sometimes both, which cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. This condition arises from poor communication between the eye and the brain, with the brain favoring one eye over the other. This can lead to difficulties with depth perception or clear vision, making everyday tasks more challenging for affected children.

Causes of amblyopia

Several factors can cause amblyopia:

• Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes, where they don't focus on the same object simultaneously.
• Refractive errors: One eye may be stronger than the other due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, leading to dominance.
• Visual obstruction: Conditions such as congenital cataracts or droopy eyelids (ptosis) can block proper light from entering the eye.

These conditions are often identified in young children, and early treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

How is amblyopia diagnosed?

Amblyopia is usually diagnosed during routine eye exams in young children. Visible signs may include an eye turning inward or outward or a noticeable difference in vision between the two eyes. Vision tests, such as those that assess visual acuity and color vision, can detect amblyopia. It is essential to have your child’s eyes checked regularly to avoid any delays in their visual development.

Treatments for amblyopia

Various treatments can improve visual acuity in children with amblyopia:

• Corrective glasses: They help correct refractive differences between the two eyes.
• Eye patching: Wearing an eye patch over the stronger eye forces the weaker eye to work harder, improving its strength.
• Vision therapy: Specific exercises designed to enhance coordination between the eye and the brain.
• Surgery: For severe cases of strabismus or cataracts, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Early detection and regular follow-up are key to effective treatment.

How to prevent amblyopia?

Although preventing amblyopia may not always be possible, regular eye exams from an early age can help detect issues before they worsen. Treating amblyopia as early as possible reduces the risk of long-term visual impairment.

Conclusion

Amblyopia is a common condition in children, but it can be effectively treated if detected early. Paying close attention to children’s vision and scheduling regular eye checkups is vital to maintaining their eye health. Additionally, opting for reconditioned eyeglasses can not only support their vision but also encourage a sustainable lifestyle.