LAZY EYE (AMBLYOPIA)
Poor vision in only one eye due to a problem with sight development can lead to prolonged vision impairment in the affected eye, a condition called lazy eye.
What is lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Poor vision in one or both eyes caused by an impediment to normal visual development during childhood can lead to a lifelong condition called "lazy eye".
What causes lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Lazy eye (amblyopia) is the poor vision due to incomplete visual development within the brain. The human brain requires visual stimulation to develop fully. Anything that interferes with clear vision in either eye between birth to 8 years of age can cause amblyopia. Common causes include presence of high spectacle power (eg. astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia), squints (strabismus), or anything blocking the visual axis of one eye (eg. droopy eye lid, childhood cataracts). Lazy eye (amblyopia) normally only affects one eye, but if both eyes are deprived of a good, clear visual images for sustained periods, the condition can arise in both eyes. Early diagnosis increases the chance of successful treatment, as after the age of 8 years, visual impairment may become permanent. Conversely, if your child does not have amblyopia by age 8 years, then he/she is unlikely to develop it.
How do I know if my child has lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Children with amblyopia often do not complain of poor vision, and a problem is sometimes first noted when vision in both eyes is tested (eg. in school visual screening). Occasionally, parents will notice a squint (strabismus) when one eye appears to be misaligned. Under certain conditions (eg. where there is strabismus, droopy eye lid, or obstruction to the visual axis), your doctor may need to screen your child regularly for amblyopia.
What puts my child at risk of lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Your child is at a higher risk if he or she has:
- High amounts of astigmatism, long-sightedness (hyperopia) or short-sightedness (myopia)
- Large differences in spectacle power between the two eyes
- Obstruction of vision by congenital defects such as droopy eyelid (ptosis), cataracts or other
lesions in the eye
- Strabismus or squints where the eye that is misaligned is not used
What kinds of treatments are available for lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Firstly, if there is abnormal spectacle power, the child needs to be given appropriate spectacles which need to be worn all the time. Next, the child need to be encouraged to use the lazy eye. This is usually done by patching or covering the good eye, often for several hours per day. Treatment may take months, and even years, and is often more effective when it is started earlier. When amblyopia is detected too late (eg. after the age of 8 years), it may not be possible to reverse the visual damage. It is therefore important that you have your child checked if you or the school health services suspects or picks up a potential problem.
Please visit the following relevant links :-
Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Service
Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Clinical Staff
I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
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Read more on other Eye Conditions and Treatments
Squints (Strabismus)
Cataracts