What Is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is a vision problem that is normally detected in children. This eye condition is commonly referred to as lazy eye and is where the central vision of one of the eyes does not develop properly. If left untreated, this condition can cause the brain to turn off this eye resulting in functional blindness of the amblyopic eye.

An amblyopia adult condition is extremely difficult to treat but there is amblyopia treatment available. This treatment often requires a lot more effort than that of amblyopia child treatment and will include vision therapy. Whilst 20/20 vision cannot be restored, treatment is usually successful in improving the vision in the amblyopic eye.

Causes And Diagnosis

From birth right through until 6 years of age is a crucial time for developing eyes and both eyes during this stage must receive clear images. Anything that interferes with this can cause this condition. Strabismus amblyopia is probably the most common cause and this is where a constant turn in one of the eyes is not corrected. Other causes include reduced vision that is not corrected with glasses and eye trauma, which leads to a blockage in sight in one of the eyes.

Refractive amblyopia is also quite common and this is where a refractive disorder such as nearsightedness or farsightedness is not corrected.

Eye trauma is the most common cause of the adult condition and if you suffer trauma you should have it checked professionally. When both eyes do not see clearly the brain will begin to block and ignore the eye that sees a blurred image.

This can lead to decreased vision that can not be corrected even through the use of contact lenses, glasses, or lasik surgery.

As this condition normally only occurs in one eye many adults and children are unaware of it. Strabismus amblyopia is easier to detect as the turn in the eye is easily noticed. In order to diagnose and treat this condition it is essential that parents take their children for early vision examination.

Treatment in an Amblyopia Child and an Amblyopia Adult

When looking at amblyopia treatment it is essential to note that this condition can be successfully treated right up to the age of 17. Amblyopia child treatment is quite simple and usually involves using drops, glasses, vision therapy, or patching. Amblyopia surgery is also used. If detected and corrected before the age of two an amblyopia child has the best chance of being cured.

Strabismus amblyopia is responsive to treatment at all ages even in adult cases. Doctors are continually working on amblyopia treatment and in the case of adults motivation is essential in order for vision therapy to work.

In conclusion it should be noted that this condition is the most common cause of vision problems in people under the age of 40.

 
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