What is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)? Treatment in Wappingers Falls, NY
Amblyopia or lazy eye is the failure for central vision to develop appropriately caused by the failure of both eyes to function in unison. In the majority of instances of ambylopia the eyes themselves are usually in good health but good vision cannot be achieved by just the use of prescription glasses. Left untreated amblyopia can cause serious visual disability, even blindness in the affected eye.
Lazy eye is the most common vision disorder in children. Usually beginning in the developmental stages of infancy, the condition is often difficult to diagnose. Unless it is adequately treated early on, the likelihood of full recovery is limited. Treatment is usually faster and more effective for those who start prior to the pre-teen years.
This is why it is important to have your child’s vision tested at a young age. According to the AOA (American Optometric Association) children should have a complete eye exam at half a year and another at age three.
Causes of Amblyopia
Amblyopia may be caused by any condition that affects typical eye and vision development. The most common cause is strabismus, a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned. Such misalignment can cause the eyes to cross in (esotropia) or turn out (exotropia) and therefore aren’t able to work together. Sometimes amblyopia is caused when the eyes have different levels of acuity. This is the result of a condition called anisometropia. Occasionally, lazy eye is caused by other eye conditions such as cataracts or some other anatomical cause.
Treatment for Lazy Eye
Lazy eye is treated by efforts to achieve optimal visual acuity to both eyes. Along with the use of prescription lenses, one of the most common approaches involves strengthening the weaker eye by inhibiting the use of the better eye. There are a few ways to achieve this and the treatment plan is prescribed according to the individual situation and the decision of the optometrist.
Frequently you will see patching, where a patch is worn to occlude the stronger eye. A patch forces the patient to use the weaker eye, which promotes vision in the underdeveloped eye and helps the visual processing system to develop more completely. However this treatment is dependent upon cooperation of the patient to wear the patch, which can be difficult with many children.
An alternative to patching is the use of atropine. When a drop of atropine is placed in the better eye, this will temporarily blur the vision to force the patient to prefer the other eye.
Alternatives to these treatments include vision therapy to help the eyes to work together as a team and sometimes surgery to realign the eyes. Special contact lenses or other sight aides are also sometimes tried.
Since amblyopia is the result of a disruption in the visual process, younger patients often experience more success with treatment. However, there are many factors that are involved and therefore anyone who thinks they or their child has lazy eye should consult as soon as possible with their eye care professional. If you are in need of amblyopia consultation in Wappingers Falls, NY, contact us to book a visit. Lazy eye doesn’t get better on its own so don’t delay in starting to repair your vision!
Like us on Facebook
Follow our Tweets
Connect via LinkedIn
Find & Review us on Google
Review us on Yelp!