Amblyopia Vision Treatment

Overview

More commonly known as lazy eye, amblyopia is an eye condition in which an eye is not able to see clear images. Over time, the blurry vision in the eye causes the brain to ignore the vision in the affected eye and use the other eye for sole vision. If left uncorrected and untreated, amblyopia causes a permanent decrease to the vision in the affected eye.

Importance of Early Treatment

After the decreased vision in an eye affected with amblyopia becomes permanent, glasses, surgery and contact lenses won't be able to correct the vision. Because of possible permanent vision loss and loss of depth perception, early detection and treatment is vital to the health of the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, for best results in resolving the amblyopia, the completion of treatment must occur before age 17.

Corrective Eyewear

Wearing prescription eyeglasses strengthens the vision in the eye affected by amblyopia. The corrective lenses eliminate the additional strains placed on the lazy eye such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Contact lenses are also able to provide the same effects as eyeglasses, if the patient is able to handle wearing the lens.

Patching

Placing an eye patch over the eye without amblyopia helps to retrain the brain to see from the lazy eye. Patching stimulates the weakened eye while blocking the vision in the stronger eye. The duration of use depends on the amount of vision loss in the eye and depends on the age of the child wearing the patch. Children wear the patch for several hours a day for weeks, months or even years. Although patching is important, it's equally important to avoid overusing the eye patch. Blocking the vision too much in the stronger eye may cause amblyopia in that eye.

Eyedrops

An alternate therapy to patching the eye includes putting atropine drops in the stronger eye. The prescription atropine drops obscure the vision in the strong eye and force the brain to use the eye affected by amblyopia. Atropine drops are typically used daily or several times a week.

Surgery

If strabismus, or weakened eye muscles, causes the amblyopia, surgery can correct the muscles. This allows the eyes to align properly. Other times glaucoma, a tumor or cataracts will cause an eye to develop amblyopia. Surgery will correct the underlying conditions. At times, patching or vision corrective lenses are necessary after the operation.