Amblyopia is derived from the Greek word- Amblys- dull/dim, ops-vision. (Dull vision) Amblyopia occurs when vision is dull in 1 eye compared to the normal fellow eye. The brain adapts and uses the stronger eye and doesn’t want to see with the lazy eye. 

The underlying reasons for Amblyopia are:

1) Uncorrected refractive error:

This is the most common reason for Amblyopia. The difference in refractive error between the two eyes results in 1 eye becoming dominant and 1 eye lazy. The difference in refractive error could be because of Hypermetropia (plus number), Myopia (minus number), or cylindrical number. Patients with myopia and cylindrical number give better results as compared to Hypermetropia when treated for Amblyopia. 

2) Squint

The squint may result in amblyopia or vice versa may also happen. So never ignore a child who has a squint and get them evaluated.

3) Other pathologies

These are some uncommon causes of Amblyopia. Corneal pathology, cataract, Glaucoma, Retinal or nerve pathology may result in Amblyopia. Addressing them and treating them is important. 

Treatment: 

1) Glasses: Prescribing glasses alone results in a good outcome in many children with Amblyopia. 

2) Patching: Patching the good eye and making the child see with the lazy eye is a gold standard way of treating lazy eyes. It is not an easy task to get patching done by children however it is very rewarding at the same time. It’s easier to patch younger kids. Once they grow older they will peel off easily. 

3) Binocular vision therapy: 

This is a newer modality of treatment. Kids who do not improve with patching or who have outgrown the age of patching improve with this modality of treatment. This is a treatment based on the fact that it’s considered a binocular problem and the lazy eye is stimulated more while playing specially designed software games. 

What age can it be treated? 

1) < 7 years: When the lazy eye is treated up to 7 years of age it results in the best outcomes. 

2) 7-17 years: Amblyopia if not diagnosed early can be treated up to 17 years of age but the outcome may be unpredictable. But every effort should be taken to treat it. 

3) With the newer modality of treatment it can be treated in adults too. 

So every patient who presents with Amblyopia can be offered some modality of treatment. 

Since kids are incapable of expressing their vision especially if they see less in 1 eye, amblyopia goes missed. Treat early and avoid later disappointments. 

Get your kids' eyes screened by our experts at Comet eye Hospitals.