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Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the impaired ability to see in one eye. Has the doctor diagnosed strabismus in your child? Check how you can prevent one of its consequences – amblyopia, which cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Amblyopia (lazy eye) – causes
Amblyopia (lazy eye) arises in childhood. The key period is the time from birth to 6 years of age. If any harmful factor impairs normal vision during this time, the lazy eye may develop. Most often such a factor is from one eye. This leads to a situation in which one eye sees correctly, while the other eye does not. It is not known why the brain inhibits the flow of information from the squinting eye (or the patient for another reason). Although the eye is built correctly, it stops seeing – the brain does not receive visual information flowing from it. There is amblyopia.
Amblyopia (lazy eye) – treatment
If amblyopia is not cured early enough in childhood, the defect remains for life. Over time, proper vision will only be preserved in one (healthy) eye. The diagnosis of amblyopia (lazy eye) is made by an ophthalmologist who examines visual acuity, eye mobility and the ability to see both eyes. The test is carried out after applying special drops to the eyes – thanks to which it is more accurate.
The treatment of amblyopia (lazy eye) involves performing muscle exercises that move the eyeball and using special glasses with the option of covering the healthy eye. This forces you to look “lazy eye”.
How can you prevent the development of amblyopia?
To prevent amblyopia, squinting children over 6 months of age should consult an ophthalmologist and start treatment early.