Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

What is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?

Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition in which one eye has a lower visual capacity compared to normal limits or compared to the other eye, without any structural defect in the eye or optic nerve. Vision is a sense that is acquired from birth. As the brain develops, the ability to see also develops and more detailed vision is learned.

If, during this development process, there is a condition that interferes with the ability to see, such as one eye having a higher number than the other, vision in that eye may be more blurred. This can lead to the problem of lazy eye.

What are the causes of lazy eye?

When lazy eye is neglected, it can lead to a rapid decrease in visual acuity, loss of vision with both eyes and difficulties in depth perception.

Since it usually develops during childhood, self-awareness of the individual is quite difficult. Strabismus, as the medical term is known, is recognized as one of the most common causes of lazy eye.

Strabismus

A shift in one eye is called strabismus. This causes both eyes to lose their parallelism to each other. There are six extraocular muscles in each eye. A lack or excess of strength in one or more of these muscles can lead to strabismus. While one eye looks straight, the other eye may shift inward, outward, upward or downward

In some cases, strabismus can be seen in both eyes. The shift in the eyes can be permanent or temporary, depending on the cause of the strabismus. There is no single cause of strabismus. Strabismus can occur due to different factors. Early diagnosis is of great importance in the treatment of strabismus.

Cataract

Lazy eye can also be caused by this condition. Cataract is a congenital eye disease that can accelerate the development of lazy eye. When present at birth, cataracts can have an early enough effect to cause lazy eye. In this case, treatment should be initiated immediately.

Refractive Error

When refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism show a significant difference in one eye compared to the other, this can lead to lazy eye. In this case, it is important to prevent or treat lazy eye.

Symptoms of lazy eye

Symptoms of lazy eye can manifest themselves in different ways. When the disease is left untreated, it can be observed as a rapid decrease in visual acuity, loss of vision in both eyes and difficulty in perceiving depth of field.

Since the disease occurs in childhood, starting after birth, it is difficult for the person to recognize it on their own. The first symptoms are usually experienced between the ages of 6 and 9. However, the first symptoms are not experienced until the disease progresses. It is essential that the family is sensitive about recognizing them. Regular check-ups help to make an early diagnosis.

Symptoms of lazy eye include vision loss that does not improve despite wearing glasses. Strabismus, eye tremor and eye slippage are also among the symptoms.

Treatment of lazy eye

Today,lazy eye occurs in an average of 3 percent of the total world population. It is of great importance to treat lazy eye especially between the ages of 8 and 9. Thus, the success rate can be increased with early treatment.

For treatment, the disease that causes the problem is treated first. If the lazy eye treatment is caused by cataracts, strabismus or eyelid, these problems can be solved with intervention. There is no surgical intervention other than these options.

If there is a need for treatment using glasses, this treatment is performed. Then, eye closure treatment is started. The aim here is to improve vision by forcing the weak side to be used. Thus, the eye with good vision is covered with an adhesive pad and the eye with lazy eye is aimed to work. At the end of the period calculated at the beginning of the treatment, there is an increase in visual acuity.