What amblyopia is
Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye", is a condition in which one eye does not reach normal vision even with glasses or contact lenses. The reason is that the brain and the eye are not working together properly. In most cases only one eye is affected. Amblyopia begins during infancy and early childhood. It can be identified at any stage, and the earlier it is treated the better the chance of avoiding lasting reduced vision. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.
Types of amblyopia
There are several types of amblyopia with different causes. Strabismic amblyopia is the most common and is caused by poorly aligned eyes. Refractive amblyopia is caused by unequal refractive errors between the two eyes. Deprivation amblyopia is caused by something blocking light from entering and focusing in the eye, such as a cataract.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of amblyopia can be hard to spot. One of the most common associated causes is strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, which is easier to notice in children. A simple check at home: see whether your child becomes irritated when you cover one eye while they are doing a visual task. A reaction like that is a signal to book an eye examination.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat amblyopia. Vision therapy, which includes exercises, is a commonly used method. Prescribed eye drops can also help in some cases. The right approach depends on the type of amblyopia, the child's age and how far the condition has progressed, so each child is assessed individually before a plan is recommended.
Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai assesses and treats amblyopia in a child-friendly setting, with a team experienced in children's eye conditions.