What is Amyblyopia?
Amblyopia, pronounced (am-blee-oh-pee-ah), is commonly referred to as ‘lazy eye’. Amyblyopia is a condition of the eye that can cause poor vision or complete loss of. This condition is the most common cause of vision loss in the under 40-age group, more than all other diseases combined. Nearly 2-3 out of every 100 children are affected by Amyblyopia.

Although the condition can affect both eyes, it is generally found only in one eye. The causes of Amblyopia can vary. A child could be born with a refractive error in one eye. This means that one eye is stronger than the other, has an astigmatism or is nearsighted. Other reasons a child develops amyblyopia is the eyes are misaligned or ‘crossed’. Whatever creates a weakness in the eyes can lead to amyblyopia, creating a wide range of causes.

When an eye is weak, the brain receives two different images. The brain then works to decipher which image is correct. When the brain determines the correct image, it blocks out the unclear image. If the problem is not corrected early, the brain will continually block the image from the weaker eye.

Treatment for the condition is based upon the cause. Once the cause is diagnosed, a treatment regimen can be established. The one facet that remains part of the treatment regardless of the cause it that the weaker eye must be exercised. Doctors often prescribe glasses that force the weaker eye to work harder by blurring the vision in the stronger eye. In addition to the glasses, Atropine eye drops, which also blurs vision in the stronger eye, and eye patches are also common treatments.

Diagnosis of Amyblyopia is important during the early years of life. By the time a child reaches 8 to 10 years old, the vision is completely developed.