AMBLYOPIA ( LAZY EYE)


Periodic visual screening has been traditionally directed at preschool children for the early detection of low vision and lazy eye.

Definition - Amblyopia is the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with glasses. It can result from a failure to use both eyes together.  In appropriate cases, it is reversible by therapeutic measures.

Common causes - The two most common causes of this visual loss are squint (misalignment of the visual axis, crossed eyes) and a high or unequal refractive error (hypermetropia, myopia, astigmatism). It usually develops before the age of 6 years.

Amblyopia has a prevalence of approximately 1% to 5% as has been reported in different subsets of the population in different studies and is treatable if detected early. Therefore all children should be screened in their preschool years for amblyopia or its risk factors, as well as for ocular diseases that may have serious consequences, such as retinoblastoma (eye cancer) and cataracts.

Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye or a tendency to bump into objects on one side.

Treatment may include a combination of prescribing glasses, vision therapy and eye patching. Eye patching is done regularly at home and a regular follow up with eye specialist is needed.

Early diagnosis increases the chance for a complete recovery. Therefore, children must have a comprehensive eye examination by age of 6 months and again at age of 3 years.

Article Topic : Amblyopia ( Lazy Eye)
Article Compiled By : Dr. Rajesh Khanna

DR.RAJESH EYE CENTRE
C-26, Surya nagar, Ghaziabad, U.P