Amblyopia
Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition in which one eye does not develop normal vision during childhood. The brain starts to favour the stronger eye and gradually ignores signals from the weaker eye.
If not treated early, amblyopia can lead to a permanent reduction in vision.
How normal vision develops
For a clear vision, signals from both eyes are sent to the brain. The brain combines these images to create a single clear picture.
In amblyopia, the brain receives a blurred or unequal image from one eye and begins to rely more on the stronger eye. Over time, vision in the weaker eye does not develop properly.
Types of Amblyopia
Strabismic amblyopia
Occurs when one eye is misaligned (squint). To avoid double vision, the brain suppresses the image from the deviated eye.
Refractive amblyopia
Occurs when there is a large difference in glasses power between the two eyes or when significant refractive error is left uncorrected.
Ametropic amblyopia- uncorrected high refractive errors can lead to amblyopia and poor vision in both eyes.
Deprivation amblyopia
Occurs when something blocks vision in early childhood, such as a congenital cataract or corneal opacity.
Mixed amblyopia
Caused by a combination of two or more factors.
Signs & Symptoms
A child with amblyopia may:
- Have poor vision in one eye
- Squint
- Tilt their head frequently
- Hold books or objects very close
- Have difficulty judging distances
- Show poor performance in activities requiring good depth perception
Many children may not complain because the stronger eye sees well.
Risk factors
A child may be at higher risk if there is:
- Family history of amblyopia or squint
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- High glass power
- Difference in power between the two eyes
- Squint (strabismus)
- Developmental or neurological disorders
- Congenital eye problems
How is amblyopia diagnosed?
- Vision testing in each eye
- Glasses power assessment (refraction)
- Eye alignment examination
- Examination of overall eye health
Early eye screening is important because children may not realise they have poor vision.
Treatment options
Treatment is most effective when started early.
Glasses
Correcting refractive errors may improve vision and help both eyes work together.
Patching therapy
The stronger eye is covered with a patch for a prescribed period to encourage the weaker eye to work harder.
Atropine eye drops
Drops may be used in the stronger eye to blur vision and temporarily stimulate the weaker eye.
Vision therapy / Eye exercises
Selected patients may benefit from exercises that improve visual skills and eye coordination.
Treatment of underlying causes
Conditions such as cataract, ptosis, or squint may require additional treatment or surgery.
Why early treatment is important
Early treatment can:
- Improve vision in the weaker eye
- Promote normal visual development
- Improve stereopsis (3D vision)
- Improve depth perception
- Enhance eye coordination
- Improve school performance and daily activities
- Reduce the risk of lifelong visual impairment
When should you consult an eye doctor?
Consult an eye specialist if:
- Your child has a squint (crossed eye)
- One eye seems weaker than the other
- Your child sits very close to the TV or books
- There is a family history of lazy eye
- Your child tilts their head frequently
- You notice any unusual eye appearance or behaviour
A message for parents
Your child may not know that one eye is seeing less clearly.
Amblyopia can often go unnoticed because the stronger eye compensates for the weaker one. Regular eye check-ups and early detection can make a meaningful difference in your child’s visual development.
Don’t wait for your child to complain about poor vision. An early eye examination today can help protect their vision for tomorrow.
Healthy vision begins with timely attention.