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What is Amblyopia? |
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Commonly referred to as "lazy eye"; amblyopia is a condition
caused by lack of normal sight development during early childhood, usually prior
to 6 years of age. As the visual system in a child develops, it is important that
both eyes be utilized equally. With amblyopia, often one eye will develop normally
while the other does not.
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Symptoms |
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Some symptoms include a noticeable favoring of one eye and/or
bumping into objects routinely on one side. Because
it is often difficult to gauge the visual acuity of a child, the condition may appear
asymptomatic.
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Risk Factors |
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- Family History
- Strabismus
- Cloudiness in one eye
- Large refractive difference
- Cataracts
- Age < 6 years
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Treatment |
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Treating amblyopia involves strengthening the weaker eye in addition
to any underlying cause. A patch may be used to cover the strong eye thereby encouraging
the child to depend upon and strengthen the weaker eye. Similar methods include
placing drops that blur vision in the stronger eye, the use of prescription lenses
with prisms, and visual therapy. Visual therapy aids the child by instructing him/her
to use both eyes together, and helps to prevent recurrence.
In certain circumstances where the cause itself is not correctable by
these methods (e.g. cataracts), surgery may be necessary.
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Prevention |
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Early detection and treatment significantly increase the successful treatment
of amblyopia. It is important to note that a child will not out-grow this condition.
Treating a pre-teen, teen, or even an adult is much more difficult and is often
less effective.
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