Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the loss or lack of development of vision in an eye that is unrelated to any eye health problems. The brain does not acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye. Reduced vision due toamblyopia is not correctable with lenses alone.
Amblyopia is the result of poor early visual development, and as such, usually occurs before the age of eight. Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight are at a greater risk for the development of the condition.
Amblyopia usually results from a failure to fully use both eyes together. It can be caused by the presence of strabismus (crossed-eyes), unequal refractive errors (farsightedness or nearsightedness), or a physical obstruction of vision (cataract). If there is a large enough difference in the degree of nearsigtedness, farsightedness or astigmatism between the two eyes, or if the eyes are crossed, the brain learns to ignore one image in favor of the other.
Normally, the images sent by each eye to the brain are very similar. When they differ too much, the brain learns to ignore the poor image sent by one eye and “sees” only with the good eye. The vision of the eye that is ignored becomes weaker from disuse.
The amblyopic eye is never blind in the sense of being entirely without sight. Amblyopia affects only the central vision of the affected eye. Peripheral awareness will remain the same.
Amblyopia usually produces few symptoms. It may be accompanied by crossed-eyes or a large difference in the refractive error between the two eyes. A child may also exhibit noticeable favoring of one eye and may have a tendency to bump into objects on one side.
A comprehensive optometric examination can determine the presence of amblyopia. The earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chance for a successful treatment. Since amblyopia usually occurs only in one eye, the good eye takes over and the individual is generally unaware of the condition. That is why it is important to have your child’s vision examined at six months of age, at age three and again before he or she enters school.
Treatment that includes patching the good eye may help the amblyopic eye to improve. In addition, to help improve vision function, vision therapy techniques may be used. Eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct any refractive errors. A better outcome is achieved the earlier that amblyopia, or a condition that could lead to amblyopia, is diagnosed and treatment is initiated.
Early detection and treatment of amblyopia and significantly unequal refractive errors can help to reduce the chances of one eye becoming amblyopic. Amblyopia is a challenge because it can limit the occupational and leisure activities one can do. Activities requiring good depth perception may be difficult or impossible to perform. In addition, should your good eye become injured or develop vision problems, you may have difficulty maintaining your normal activities.
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