AMBLYOPIA, ..what you should know

Understanding Amblyopia: This eye condition, also known as "lazy eye," develops in early childhood when one eye does not fully develop. It often cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is a visual impairment that arises when one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with the use of corrective lenses. This condition typically develops during childhood, often before the age of seven, when the visual system is still maturing. Amblyopia can result from various factors, including strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), significant differences in refractive error between the two eyes, or obstructions that prevent clear vision, such as cataracts. If amblyopia is identified and treated in its early stages, there is a high likelihood that the detrimental effects on vision can be mitigated or even completely reversed. Early intervention is crucial because the brain tends to favor the stronger eye, leading to a further decline in vision in the affected eye if left untreated. Treatment options may include the use of corrective glasses, patching the dominant eye to encourage the use of the weaker one, or even vision therapy exercises designed to improve coordination and visual processing. The success of these interventions is significantly higher when they are initiated during the formative years of visual development. Therefore, routine eye examinations for children are essential to catch any signs of amblyopia