| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
AMBLYOPIA |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What does amblyopia mean?
This term is derived from Greek, literally meaning “dullness of vision”, in layman’s language called Lazy Eye. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Why does it occur?
Amblyopia is a functional reduction in visual acuity of an eye caused by disuse or misuse during critical period of development.
In simple words the amblyopic of Lazy Eye despite being normal does not develop vision to its full capacity. This occurs either
because that eye has glasses alone or more number than the other eye. Or because it squints occasionally or constantly.
The brain then chooses to ignore the image formed by this eye being an indistinct image. When this occurs over a period
of several days the Ignored eye becomes lazy. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What are the implications?
The psychosocial implications are tremendous. Affected persons may have reduced vocational & socio economic opportunities
because normal vision in both eyes is required for many jobs. Besides risk for blindness is more, in the event of injury to the
other normal eye. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What can be done to treat amblyopia?
Amblyopia can be treated fully, provided it is detected early and the treatment regimen is followed faithfully. The goal of the
treatment is achievement of maximum visual acuity for an individual person. However children being difficult to evaluate and
inconsistent in their responses on examination require continuous reassessment and sometimes modifications in treatment
schedules. Treatment consists of removing any amblyogenic factor like cataract, drooping of eyelids etc. correction of
significant refractive error by giving glasses and encouraging the child to use the amblyopic or lazy eye. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How do we go about it?
Patching of the good eye is the mainstay of the treatment. This compels the amblyopic eye to see and result in long term visual
improvement in the Lazy Eye. This form of treatment is easy effective and inexpensive.
Penalization: This means blurring vision of
good eye through use of medication and spectacle manipulation, thereby encouraging
use of amblyopic eye. However this modality
cannot be used long term due to obvious side effects of long term use of eye drops. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What happens after we come to an end of this therapy?
Once vision is maximized by treatment, we recommend maintenance therapy using occlusion therapy few hours per day to minimize
risk of recurrence. Participation of parents in understanding & execution of amblyopia treatment is a important factor in improving
your child’s vision. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|