What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” occurs when one eye is weaker than the other. The brain chooses to take in images from the stronger eye and ignore images from the weaker eye. This means that your child uses the strong eye more than the weak eye. If the weak eye is unused, it is unable to develop good vision. This leads to poor vision in the weaker eye. The condition affects approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children and is the most common cause of visual impairment in childhood. The problem starts between birth and about age 7. Your child may not even know that he or she is using only one eye. Ignoring the images from the weak eye is an automatic response. Your child has no control over it. Early treatment can often reverse amblyopia. The younger your child is when treatment starts, the more likely your child is to have good vision. Because amblyopia can result in permanent vision loss in one eye, it is important to have a child with amblyopia tested regularly by an eye doctor.

Symptoms of Amblyopia

1. 1. Eye(s) that turn in or out
   2. Eyes that do not appear to work together
   3. Inability to judge depth correctly
   4. Poor vision in one eye
   5. Eyelids that appear droopy
   6. Double Vision

Treatment for Amblyopia

For achieving the best results in amblyopia therapy, total visual deprivation of the stronger eye is often recommended. For this reason, eye patches that adhere to the skin around the eye are most effective. Strap-on “pirate’s patches” and patches worn over glasses are less effective and only occasionally recommended. At first, the child will have a hard time seeing with just the weaker eye. However, it is very important that your child wear the patch diligently because this will eventually improve vision. It can take weeks or months for an eye patch to improve vision. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and that your child is monitored closely during treatment.