Amblyopia (often referred to as “lazy eye”) is an eye disorder characterized by poor or indistinct vision. The disorder exists during early childhood when the “lazy eye” transmits visual images to the brain either poorly or not at all.
Causes of Amblyopia
Causes of amblyopia range from impairment of vision as a result of alcohol poisoning to impairment caused by toxic influences, trauma, etc. The most common type of this eye disorder is strabismus ambylopia, in which vision in one eye is suppressed to avoid double vision. This can be caused by a weak muscle in one eye, in which cause the brain will not accept the double vision and learns instead to suppress the vision in the weak eye in order to eliminate double vision.
Treatment for Amblyopia
Amblyopia must be detected early in order for the “lazy” eye to learn to see well. If the condition is not treated by the time the child is approximately six years old, vision in the “lazy” eye will likely not improve over time. Often times, parents notice the condition when one of the child’s eyes turns out or in.
An exam with an ophthalmologist is necessary to diagnose the condition and provide the most appropriate means of treatment. Commonly treatment involves putting a patch over the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to see. Special glasses may also be provided to the child to treat the condition. In some cases, surgery to the eye muscles may be required.
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