One eye may have poor vision due to improper use during early growth, a disease known as amblyopia, or “lazy eye.” If the refractive error is prevalent from an early age, amblyopia, or lazy eye, can develop. The lower eye cannot learn to see correctly because the brain ignores its signals and concentrates on the superior eye. The poorer eye will never fully develop its “information route” into the brain and will never see as well as the better eye if this problem is not identified until after vision has finished developing. The first few years of life are crucial for the brain’s development of vision.
What signs and symptoms indicate amblyopia?
It could be difficult to recognize amblyopia symptoms. Amblyopic children may have impaired depth perception, which makes it challenging for them to determine how close or far something is. Parents may also notice signs that a child is having vision problems, such as:
- An eye that moves inward or outward
- Eyes that don’t appear to function
- Low-level perception
Normally, a doctor’s eye exam is the first time a parent learns that their child has amblyopia. As a result, every child should undergo a vision examination at least between the ages of three and five.
Why Is Amblyopia Treatment Important?
Amblyopia prevents a child from having clear vision in one eye. The ability to see in three dimensions or in depth may be impaired, even in mild cases of amblyopia, making it difficult to detect distance and depth when looking at objects. As a result, there is no vision that is totally functional and equivalent to what both eyes see.
The earlier that children with amblyopia receive treatment, the better. Children who are not treated may have vision problems that last a lifetime. Adults normally have less success with amblyopia treatment than children do.
Why Does Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Occur?
- Squint (deviation of eye)
- Refractive errors
- Drooping eyelids: Amblyopia can develop if a droopy eyelid covers enough of the eye to impaired vision.
- Because of an eye cataract or a corneal scar, light cannot enter the back of the eye.
- Amblyopia is often a problem that can be addressed if it is treated early. Delaying treatment could prevent the visual problem from getting better.
ALSO READ:
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) – causes, symptoms and, treatment
