AMBLYOPIA IN CHILDREN

1. What is amblyopia?

Lazy eye (amblyopia) is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. 

 Usually, amblyopia is the result of eye diseases such as high refractive error or anisometropia, strabismus, or other abnormalities that interfere with vision: ptosis, congenital cataracts,… Children at this time cannot use one or both eyes normally, then the visual function of the brain is not “learned” correctly and as a result, the ability to see is reduced leading to amblyopia.

1. How to recognize a child may have amblyopia? 

–        Blur vision

–        One eye crossed inside/outside (strabismus)

–        Eye movements are not in the right direction, not well coordinated

–        Poor depth perception

–       Squint the eyes to see

–        Tilt, turn your head to look

–        Cry, avoid when covering one eye

–        Abnormal eye appearance

–        Poor academic results, loss of concentration when reading books

1. Is there any method to prevent and treat amblyopia?

 Treatment according to the cause: If amblyopia is caused by strabismus, congenital cataract or ptosis, …, the doctor will consider many factors that are suitable for each child’s condition to eliminate the causes amblyopia by surgery at appropriate stages and times. In the case of amblyopia due to refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, anisometropia), the child will be prescribed the correct glasses.

Make the eyes with amblyopia work: Better eye patch or atropine treatment helps the amblyopia eye learn to see.

Treatment of problems related to binocular vision

Finally, regular eye exams for children are the only way to detect and treat children with amblyopia in an early stage.