Amblyopia

Three Main Causes of Amblyopia

Strabismus: This is the most common and frequently seen cause of amblyopia. When one eye is misaligned, it does not transmit the image to the brain, leading the person to rely on the better-seeing eye.

Refractive Errors: If one eye appears significantly blurrier than the other due to a high refractive error, that eye can become amblyopic as it fails to develop visually. This type of amblyopia is often the hardest to detect because there may not be any apparent problems with the eyes. Families usually seek an examination when they notice the misalignment, but by then, the child may have already aged, resulting in a missed opportunity for early intervention. Therefore, all children should be examined by an eye doctor before the age of 4, regardless of whether they exhibit any complaints.

Opacity in Clear Eye Tissues: Cataracts are the primary condition leading to this type of amblyopia. This is the fastest-developing form of amblyopia. Consequently, every newborn should undergo a simple test, known as the red reflex test, conducted by a pediatrician. If any abnormalities are detected, they must be examined by an eye doctor. This type of amblyopia develops very early and can be quite profound. Congenital cataracts should be surgically treated as soon as possible.

How is Amblyopia Diagnosed? Vision examinations for children under 3.5 to 4 years old can be quite challenging. In younger children and infants, methods such as evaluating responses when the doctor occludes the healthy eye can help identify the amblyopic eye. During an examination before the age of 4, the eye doctor typically does the following: checks for any misalignment in the eyes, looks for any opacities in the clear media, and dilates the pupils with drops to measure the refractive values of both eyes. It is particularly important to determine if one eye has a significantly greater refractive error than the other. High refractive errors in both eyes are also taken into account. In addition to the refractive examination, the retina and optic nerve are also examined to complete the assessment.

How is Amblyopia Treated? The treatment for amblyopia primarily relies on encouraging the use of the weaker eye. This is achieved by occluding the stronger eye with a special patch for weeks or even months. The necessary prescription is first provided, and the child begins to wear it, followed by occlusion therapy. A certain period of occlusion therapy is conducted before surgery, after which surgery is performed, and occlusion continues for some time afterward. Children generally dislike wearing the patch and may resist it. However, as a parent, you can successfully navigate this period with your interest and patience.