Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is a visual development disorder where an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It typically begins during infancy and early childhood and is the leading cause of decreased vision among children. Recognising and addressing it early is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of long-term vision problems.

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is characterised by reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The condition occurs when the brain and the affected eye are not working together correctly, leading the brain to favour the other eye. This imbalance can result in the underdeveloped eye not being used properly, which can affect depth perception and visual acuity. It is classified into three types: strabismic, refractive, and deprivation.

Causes

The primary causes of amblyopia are associated with conditions that disrupt the normal visual development process:

1. Strabismus: This is the most common cause. Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes where one eye may turn in, out, up, or down. To avoid double vision, the brain ignores the input from the misaligned eye.
2. Refractive Errors: Significant differences in the prescription (refractive errors) between the two eyes. For example, if one eye is more nearsighted, farsighted, or has more astigmatism than the other, the brain may rely more on the eye with the clearer image, neglecting the other eye.
3. Deprivation: This type occurs when there is a problem with one eye that prevents it from receiving clear images. Causes include cataracts, ptosis (droopy eyelid), or any other condition that obstructs the visual axis. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment.

Symptoms

If left untreated, it can lead to several significant effects on vision and overall quality of life:

1. Reduced Visual Acuity: The affected eye will not see as clearly as the other, even with corrective lenses. This can make tasks requiring sharp vision, such as reading or driving, more challenging.
2. Poor Depth Perception: It can impair binocular vision, which is crucial for depth perception. This can affect hand-eye coordination and the ability to judge distances accurately.
3. Risk of Vision Loss: If the dominant eye becomes injured or develops a disease, individuals with untreated amblyopia may experience significant vision impairment since their brain has already disregarded the weaker eye.

Prevention and Treatment

Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing and treating amblyopia. Here are the main strategies:

1. Regular Eye Examinations: Early eye exams are vital, especially for children. Optometrists recommend vision screenings at an early age to detect any signs or other vision issues.
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2. Corrective Lenses: Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors can help improve vision in both eyes and promote proper visual development.
3. Patching Therapy: Covering the stronger eye with a patch forces the brain to use the weaker eye, strengthening its visual capabilities. The duration and frequency of patching depend on the severity and the patient’s age.
4. Atropine Drops: Atropine eye drops can temporarily blur vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the use of the weaker eye. This method is an alternative to patching and can be effective, especially in cases where patching compliance is an issue.
5. Surgery: In cases of strabismus or other structural issues, surgery may be necessary to align the eyes properly. This can be followed by other treatments like patching or corrective lenses to improve visual acuity in the amblyopic eye.
6. Vision Therapy: A series of exercises and activities designed to improve visual skills and coordination. This therapy can be beneficial alongside other treatments to enhance overall visual function.

Visit Us at Spectrum!

Amblyopia is a common yet often under recognised condition that can significantly impact a child’s vision and quality of life if left untreated.

To support early detection and treatment, we offer FREE eye examinations at our store. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards protecting your child’s vision and ensuring a brighter future!

Location: 192 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Contact: 028 7307 6268