Amblyopia, also known as a “lazy eye”, is described as a reduced vision in one eye without any apparent pathology, that can not be corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. There are some rare forms of amblyopia that involve both eyes. Amblyopia is the most common cause of reduced vision in one eye in children.

The term lazy eye is misleading because the eye is not actually lazy. In fact, it is a developmental problem in which the brain can not process a 20/20 image. The eyes are not fully developed at birth and need proper stimulation to continue to develop to gain the ability to see 20/20. It is not a problem in the eye itself, but in the brain which supresses the visual input from the eye, prohibiting the eye from developing to appreciate clear vision. In addition to poor visual acuity, people with amblyopia are more prone to having difficulties with depth perception, and eye movements related to reading. It also puts an individual with a disadvantage with sports related activities.  
 

What Are The Causes of Amblyopia?

Amblyopia develops in childhood due to:

• Significant differences in the prescription (refractive) status between the two eyes due to nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism;

• Constantly misaligned eyes or crossed eyes (strabismus);

• An obstruction of vision in early childhood i.e. cataract, ptosis (droopy eyelid)
   

It is important to note that, because amblyopia is typically a problem of infant vision development, symptoms of the condition can be difficult to detect. Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye over the other, an eye turn (either upward-downward outward or inward) or a tendency to bump into objects on one side.

The best way to identify children who are at risk for or already have amblyopia is by performing comprehensive eye examinations.
 

How Is Amblyopia Treated?

Amblyopia is best treated up to age ten. The earlier the treatment the better the outcome. Some patients can benefit from amblyopia therapy up to age 15, but after that any treatment is usually ineffective. 

Many children who have unequal vision between the eyes, do not know they have an eye problem because the stronger eye and the brain overcompensates. Over time, the weaker eye gets progressively worse, and amblyopia develops.
 

Treatment may include

Glasses

To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Glasses may also correct an eye turn. Sometimes, glasses solve the amblyopia, and no further treatment is required.
 

Using an eye patch

For the better-seeing, an eye patch may be required for several hours each day or all day long and may continue for weeks or months. A child should be encouraged to do close-up activities while wearing the patch, such as schoolwork, reading, or coloring. (Patches can be made colorful and fun to help the child accept it)
 

Vision exercises

This involves different exercises and games to improve vision development in the child's affected eye which may be done in combination with other treatments.
 

Surgery

It is sometimes performed to improve the appearance of an eye turn, resulting in better alignment of the eyes. This may or may not improve vision.
 

When should children be checked for amblyopia?

Amblyopia often starts before there are any obvious signs that something is wrong. This is why babies and young children should have their eyes regularly checked. According to research, children should have eye examinations at the following times:

• Between 6 months and 1 year of age:
• If there is a family history of amblyopia or crossed eyes
• If you see the eye turn in or out
• If the eye appears hazy or white
• If there were problems during pregnancy
• If the child was born with developmental deficits

• At 3 years of age

• At 5 years of age
   

If there are any concerns that your child may be suffering from or developing a “lazy eye,” a thorough eye exam is needded. Children with a family history of amblyopia are at a higher risk for developing it themselves.

Early diagnosing and treating increases the chance for a complete recovery. Amblyopia will not go away on its own. If not diagnosed until the preteen, teen or adult years, treatment will take longer and may not even be effective. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the outcome.