Let’s Talk Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also called lazy eye, is a common vision problem that affects children and adults. Usually, it happens in just one eye. Amblyopia develops when there is a problem with how the eye and brain work together. 

The nerve connecting the eye to the brain does not work as it should. This interferes with the brain recognizing sight from one eye. Over time, the brain relies on only one eye, and the weaker eye becomes worse. 
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Although the term “lazy eye” is sometimes used for amblyopia, it has nothing to do with laziness. It is just that the stronger eye works better. 
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How common is amblyopia? 

Amblyopia is relatively common. Some children are born with the condition, and others develop it later in childhood. According to the National Eye Institute, about 3 percent of children have amblyopia. Early treatment often starts when kids are young. Early treatment often prevents any long-term vision issues. 

Types

There are a few types of amblyopia, such as the following: 

• Refractive: This type of amblyopia shows a significant difference in vision between the eyes. 
• Strabismic: People who have this classification have one eye that constantly turns in. 
• Deprivation: This causes decreased vision in one eye due to a physical condition in the eye, such as cataracts.  

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Causes and risk factors 

Amblyopia may develop for unknown reasons. It can also occur as a result of other eye conditions. For example, having a refractive error, such as farsightedness or nearsightedness, can lead to amblyopia. It is possible to have a refractory error worse in one eye. This may make the other eye stronger. 

Certain factors may increase a child’s risk of developing the condition, including: 

• Being born premature
• Having a lower birth weight than average 
• Having developmental challenges 
• A family history of amblyopia 

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Symptoms

Symptoms of amblyopia may be mild and difficult to notice. Symptoms may include: 

• Poor depth perception 
• Frequent squinting 
• Tilting the head to one side often 
• Shutting one eye

An eye doctor can identify amblyopia through an eye exam. This is why a baseline vision screening is helpful for kids between ages 3 and 5.   
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Treatment 

Treatment for amblyopia is often successful. The goal of treatment is to make the child use the weaker eye so it becomes stronger. There are a few ways this is accomplished, such as: 

Wearing an eye patch: Wearing a patch over the stronger eye encourages use of the weaker eye. It can take several months of treatment before vision in the weaker eye improves. 

Using eye drops: Certain types of eye drops may be used to blur vision in the better eye. This is also to promote using the weaker eye. 

Wearing special eyeglasses: Glasses are available that have a lens that blurs vision in the stronger eye. Eyeglasses may be easier to keep on than a patch in some children. 

Playing certain vision games: Various types of vision games may help improve development in the affected eye. For example, a newer treatment involves using a virtual reality headset to help children use the weaker eye. Vision games may work best when used along with another treatment. The type of game may depend on the age of the child. 

If you recognize signs of amblyopia in your child or have questions, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors is appropriate at this time, please phone our office at 508-746-8600.