Amblyopia: What Is Lazy Eye?

When one’s eye's vision does not fully develop throughout early childhood, it is called amblyopia or lazy eye. This condition is mainly seen among kids. If amblyopia gets diagnosed early, it can be treated. One of the most common causes of amblyopia is a squint or strabismus. This condition makes the affected eye work harder. Let’s check out the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this condition.

What is Lazy Eye?

Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal early visual development is known as lazy eye (amblyopia). The weaker or sluggish eye mainly looks away or inward. Typically, amblyopia occurs in kids under 15 years. A lazy eye rarely affects both eyes at once. Early detection can help protect your child's eyes from long-term issues. Usually, using an eye patch, contact lenses, or glasses can fix the affected eye. Amblyopia affects nearly 5% of children who are aged below 15 years.

Symptoms of Lazy Eye

Signs and symptoms include:

• Favour only side of the body

• Eyes that don't seem to coordinate

• Have a droopy eyelid or crossed eyes

• Having trouble seeing depth

• Squinting or closing one eye

• Frequently tilting the day to one side

• Abnormal findings from eye screening examinations

• Bumping into furniture or other objects, particularly on one side of the body

A lazy eye can occasionally go undetected without an eye check-up.

What Causes Lazy Eye?

The cause of amblyopia is yet unknown to medical professionals. Below listed are few of the possible causes —

1. Refractive errors

If the refractive error is not treated immediately, it can lead to amblyopia. This error is about the natural shape of your eyes or their ability to see; it makes the vision blurry. Refractive errors that lead to amblyopia are:

• myopia or near-sightedness (i.e., trouble seeing distant objects)

• hyperopia or farsightedness (i.e., difficulty seeing things that are near or close by)

• astigmatism (i.e., an oval-shaped cornea)

2. Strabismus

This is the result of your eyes not aligning properly. Individuals with strabismus frequently see double because they are unable to focus their eyes together on an image. Your brain will ignore the image from the mismatched eye.

3. Structural eye conditions

• Cataracts: Things may appear hazy if your eye's lens is foggy. It's possible that the eyesight in that eye won't grow normally.

• Eyelid drooping (ptosis): A drooping eyelid may obstruct your view.

There may also be issues associated with the cornea.

How is Lazy Eye Diagnosed?

An eye test is done to identify amblyopia. Depending on the child's age, several methods are used to evaluate vision. Kids with a known squint are closely monitored to detect amblyopia.

It is crucial to visit an eye specialist if there are any symptoms related to this condition. It helps ascertain whether a child's vision in one or both eyes is correct.

If a young child (preschool age) has vision problems, an eye specialist can conduct an examination. A child or infant suspected of having amblyopia is typically referred to an orthoptist. Orthoptists are qualified to diagnose and treat children with amblyopia. An orthoptist may, if necessary, recommend a kid for additional evaluation and care by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon.

Treatment Options for Lazy EyeDiagnosed?

Due to the complex connections developing between the eye and the brain, seeking timely medical intervention in childhood is crucial.

The course of treatment for lazy eyes varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition impacting your child's eyesight. Your doctor may suggest the following —

• Glasses for correction

Astigmatism, farsightedness, and near-sightedness can be treated with glasses/contact lenses to prevent a lazy eye.

• Eye patches

You can cover the child’s eye with a patch for better vision for two to six hours a day or longer to stimulate the weaker eye.

• Bangerter filter

The stronger eye's lens is covered by this particular filter.

• Eyedrops

Atropine can also be prescribed by the doctor.

• Surgery

Doctors may advise surgery if your child has cataracts or any other structural issue (like droopy eyelids) and non-surgical treatment options fail to yield positive results.