|
|
|
Amblyopia,
also referred to as lazy eye, is defined as decreased
central vision in one or both eyes which is not
correctable with prescription lenses. Amblyopia
is the result of a non-disease process or abnormality
that interferes with the normal development of
the eyes and visual system.
Development of the visual system begins at birth
with normal use of the eyes. Good vision is encouraged
to improve as the infant properly utilizes their
eyes. The eyes and vision evolve as the child
ages, and continue to change through the first
decade of life. Any interference with this process
can negatively impact potential visual ability.
Amblyopia
is caused by several abnormalities. In the case
of strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, the
eyes do not work together and one or both eyes
may turn in, out, up, or down. Amblyopia may also
be caused by vision problems like nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and astigmatism. In cases where
there is a large degree of difference in visual
acuity between the eyes, both eyes may not have
equal focusing ability. Therefore, the ‘weaker’
eye may not develop normally, and the child may
favor the stronger eye. Rarely, certain types
of cataracts or opacities may cause amblyopia.
In
each of the previous causes, the brain receives
a good, sharp image from one eye, and a blurry
or fuzzy image from the other eye. The brain can
not combine the images, and eventually ignores
the eye with the poor image. If left uncorrected,
this weaker, or lazy eye, will develop amblyopia.
Unless
an eye turn is visible, amblyopia often has no
symptoms and may go unnoticed by even the most
perceptive parents. In the majority of cases,
amblyopia must be detected by checking vision
and the visual system. In very young children
and infants, vision may be estimated by how well
they follow a small object with one eye covered.
A normal eye will look directly at the object
while an amblyopic eye may look to the side.
Once
amblyopia has been diagnosed, treatment may consist
of a combination of the following:
- Patching
of the good eye
- Eye
drops to blur the good eye
- Prescription
lenses
- Prism
- Vision
therapy
|
|
