Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):

Understanding and Treating Reduced Vision

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, often known as "lazy eye," is a common vision condition where one eye doesn’t reach normal visual acuity, even with glasses or contact lenses. This condition usually develops from birth to around age seven and is the leading cause of decreased vision in one eye among children and young adults.

Causes and Risk Factors

Amblyopia occurs when the brain and the affected eye don’t work together effectively, causing the brain to rely more on the other eye. This condition can be caused by:

- Strabismus (Misaligned Eyes): The most common cause, where the eyes are not properly aligned.

- Refractive Amblyopia: Significant differences in refractive errors between the two eyes, even with corrective lenses.

- Deprivation Amblyopia: Caused by something obstructing light from entering and being focused in a child’s eye, such as a cataract.

Symptoms to Watch For

- One eye drifting inward or outward

- Squinting or shutting an eye

- Poor depth perception

- Difficulty in school or sports due to vision problems

Diagnosing Amblyopia

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing long-term visual problems. Our comprehensive eye exams at Vivid Visions Optometry are designed to detect amblyopia early, which is especially important for children who may not realize or be able to communicate their visual impairment.

Treatment Options

Treatment aims to strengthen the vision in the amblyopic eye and enable the brain to use both eyes together more effectively. Methods include:

- Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: To correct vision in the weaker eye.

- Eye Patching: Covering the stronger eye to encourage the use of the amblyopic eye.

- Atropine Eye Drops: Temporarily blurring vision in the stronger eye to make the weaker eye work harder.

- Vision Therapy: Exercises and activities to improve visual abilities and processing.

Our Approach at Vivid Visions Optometry

Led by Dr. David Antonyan, O.D., we are committed to providing personalized, effective treatment for amblyopia. We understand the importance of early intervention and are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the best possible vision. Our warm and professional approach ensures that each patient receives the care they need in a supportive environment.

Visit us at Vivid Visions Optometry, where we prioritize your vision and strive to make your experience as comfortable and effective as possible.