Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is defined by reduced vision, usually in one eye, that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses alone. This can be caused by a variety of things that interrupt vision, including: 

• Eye turn (a.k.a strabismus or squint) 
• Any type of pathology that interrupts vision (e.g. cataract, trauma, droopy eyelids or problems in the back of the eye) 
• Uneven prescription between the two eyes 

When these interruptions in vision occur during the child’s developmental years (0-8 years old), the brain learns to “ignore” the weaker eye as it grows, resulting in unclear vision in that eye. The degree of visual reduction is dependent on the severity and duration of what caused the visual disturbance. 

Early detection of amblyopia is important. We need to be able to train the brain while it is developing to use visual signals from the weaker eye as well, in order to improve vision. This means that therapy must be done before the age of 8-10 years. The earlier amblyopia is treated, the more effective treatment will be. 

Occlusion therapy, or patching, is currently the most effective treatment for amblyopia. This is done by covering the stronger eye, so as to encourage the weaker eye to work. If the cause of decreased vision is some type of pathology (e.g. cataracts, droopy eyelids, etc), this will need to be treated first before patching. Your doctor will discuss what options are appropriate for you. 

NOTE: Patching does not treat eye turns. It only treats amblyopia, or the reduction in vision. 

For more information, please visit www.squintclinic.com.