Understanding Amblyopia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Understanding Amblyopia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, refers to a condition in which the visual cortex in the brain does not develop properly. This can occur due to several reasons, such as squinting, high refractive errors or an uncorrected vision problem in one eye. Typically, the condition develops during childhood and can lead to a significant reduction in vision in the affected eye, which can be irreversible if left untreated.

Causes of Amblyopia

The primary cause of amblyopia is a lack of vision stimulation in one or both eyes during childhood. This may occur due to several factors, including:

– Strabismus: A condition in which the eyes do not align properly, causing double vision or the suppression of one eye’s image over time.
– Refractive errors: Amblyopia can also develop as a result of a significant difference in the refractive error between the two eyes.
– Cataracts: A cloudy lens that can cause visual impairment if left untreated and can lead to amblyopia if it occurs in early childhood.

Symptoms of Amblyopia

The symptoms of amblyopia can vary depending on the cause and the severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms include:

– Blurred vision in one eye or difficulty seeing things at a distance.
– Straining or squinting to see better with the affected eye.
– Eyes that turn outwards, inwards, or up and down.
– Head tilting to compensate for distorted or double vision.
– Difficulty with depth perception and hand-eye coordination.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for amblyopia depend on the severity of the condition, the age of the patient and the underlying cause. The goal of treatment is to stimulate visual development in the affected eye and to align the eyes to work together properly. Some common treatment options include:

– Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses: These can help correct the refractive error of the affected eye, thereby stimulating visual development.
– Patching: This involves covering the stronger or unaffected eye with a patch for several hours a day to force the brain to rely on the weaker or affected eye.
– Vision therapy: A type of physical therapy that uses exercises and activities to stimulate visual development in the affected eye.
– Surgery: In cases where strabismus is the underlying cause, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the eyes.

Dr. Dolan from 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills MI is a renowned expert in the diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia. With years of experience and expertise, Dr. Dolan has helped countless patients improve their vision and quality of life. If you suspect that you or your child may have amblyopia, don’t hesitate to call 248 375 0040 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dolan and get the help you need.