Amblyopia
What is amblyopia or “lazy eye”?
Amblyopia is a condition in which vision develops normally in one eye, while the other eye works less. It is as if one eye exercised a lot while the other “rested” for much of the day. With the right treatment, the eye that works less can learn to see better.
Warning signs and symptoms
Some signs that should be discussed with an eye-care professional include:
- Frequent clumsiness or tripping.
- Difficulty seeing objects that should be easy to notice.
- Difficulty distinguishing objects that stand out because of their colour.
- Squinting or holding the head or eyes in an unusual position when trying to focus.
- Blurred vision in one eye.
Treatment
One of the most common treatments is wearing an eye patch.
Where is it placed? The patch is placed over the eye that sees better. This encourages the eye with amblyopia to work and helps strengthen its vision.
Why does it work? Temporarily covering the stronger eye helps the brain learn to use the eye that was working less.
How long is it worn? The number of hours per day and the overall duration of treatment depend on each individual case. The specialist will explain how long the patch should be worn each day and for how many weeks or months.
The patch is a temporary treatment, but it is very important to follow the ophthalmologist’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.