Amblyopia

In a healthy visual system, both eyes work in harmony to provide a single, clear image of the world. This is called binocular vision.

Amblyopia, often referred to as lazy eye, is a condition where one or both eyes have decreased sharpness of vision that is not correctable by spectacles. The brain may choose to ignore the blurry image from the amblyopic eye and favour the image from the unaffected eye. If untreated, this can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Amblyopia can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Severe long-sightedness (hyperopia), short-sightedness (myopia), or astigmatism
  • Different vision strengths in each eye
  • Genetics or developmental delays
  • Drooping eyelids or cataracts

In some cases, amblyopia is caused by strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), where the brain suppresses the image from the misaligned eye.

What Happens to the Brain with Amblyopia?

The brain becomes confused when one eye sends blurry or misaligned images. To prevent seeing double, the brain suppresses the image from the affected eye, favouring the clearer image from the unaffected eye. Over time, this leads to the deterioration of vision in the suppressed eye while the unaffected eye becomes dominant.

If left untreated, the vision in the suppressed eye can deteriorate permanently, and the child may develop poor depth perception or struggle with activities requiring 3D vision.

blurry or misaligned eyes

Signs and Symptoms of Amblyopia Include

  • Decreased vision in one or both eyes, not corrected by glasses
  • Closing or covering one eye
  • Frequent rubbing of the eyes
  • Complaints of seeing blurry or distorted images
  • Poor depth perception

Why Should Parents Be Concerned?

Children with amblyopia may not complain because they adapt to having poor vision in one eye. Often, they suppress the image from the affected eye, which can impair their depth perception and affect their ability to see in 3D. This can influence how they interact with the world around them and participate in activities like sports. At school, it can affect their ability to read, write, and participate in visual learning tasks, potentially leading to struggles with schoolwork and academic performance.

What You Can Do?

  • Monitor for signs such as eye covering, squinting, or complaints of blurry vision.
  • Schedule regular eye exams as children’s vision changes rapidly, and early detection is key.
  • Encourage your child to practice visual skills through activities that promote eye coordination.

  • Follow the recommendations from your eye care professional to ensure the best treatment outcomes.

  • Download our guide to learn more about amblyopia and how to help your child.

If you suspect your child may have amblyopia, schedule a comprehensive eye test with our optometrists at Eyecare Kids, who have a special interest in children’s vision. Early detection is crucial to prevent long-term vision problems. We can help by monitoring for signs and ensuring regular eye exams are part of your child’s health routine.

Danny