How to Correct Amblyopia
Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," usually occurs when the visual system in the brain of a child under age 7 fails to develop properly because one eye is stronger than the other. When the brain uses the images from the stronger eye and ignores those from the weaker eye, poor vision results. In many cases amblyopia is hard to detect. It can occur in both eyes, but usually affects only one eye.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get every child an eye examination by age 5. Amblyopia may be present without warning signs. Young children may not know to complain about poor vision.
-
2
Begin treatment upon diagnosis and determination of cause by a doctor, preferably one specializing in ophthalmology. Early treatment usually can correct amblyopia.
-
-
3
Make sure your child understands the importance of the doctor's treatment plan and how to follow it. Avoid scaring your child during your talks.
-
4
Help your child every day to follow the doctor's treatment plan. Unless surgery is necessary, initial treatment specified by the doctor will likely consist of a technique designed to strengthen her weaker eye by temporarily eliminating or reducing input from her stronger eye. The plan may call for an eye patch or a blurry lens, which may be uncomfortable for your child. Make sure she doesn't pull off an eye patch or shed blurry lens glasses when you're not around.
-
5
Inform the child's teachers about the condition and the treatment plan.
-
6
Be sure your child and her teachers know about and understand any changes made by the doctor to a treatment plan.
-
7
Make sure your child follows and completes the doctor's post-treatment care plan. Scheduled checkups should not be put off or skipped.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you suspect amblyopia or another eye condition in your child, schedule an eye exam without delay. The younger the child is when treatment for amblyopia begins, the better the results.
Although there are no guarantees of success, treatment for some forms of amblyopia may improve vision and quality of life in older children and even adults.
The major cause of treatment failure is the child not wearing the patch as directed by the doctor.
After about age 9, amblyopia is difficult to correct.
Amblyopia can return. Make sure former amblyopia patients get the follow-up care recommended by the doctor until age 9 or 10.
Some causes of amblyopia, such as cataracts and misaligned eyes, may require surgery. Any condition keeping light from the eye requires immediate treatment to avoid the possibility of the amblyopia becoming permanent. This can occur within a few months.
A baby can be born with cataracts, which require immediate treatment to avoid permanent amblyopia.
Although the condition is rare, amblyopia caused by a defect in the lens or cornea is serious. Without early treatment, the weaker eye may never develop normal vision.
