Amblyopia Insights
Did you know that amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in children?
A simple definition for amblyopia is when one eye, for a number of reasons, does not develop full 20/20 vision. It is more commonly referred to as a “lazy eye.” This condition can go undiagnosed and untreated more frequently than one might think.
Some of the symptoms we see in patients with moderate to advanced amblyopia include:
- Squinting
- Tilting the head to read
- Shutting one eye when trying to focus
- Noticeably favoring one eye
- Tendency to bump into objects on one side
- Poor depth perception
- Difficulty judging distances
- Difficulty catching and throwing objects
- Clumsiness
- Eye strain
- Fatigue with near work like reading and writing
Not only can these symptoms mimic other conditions, but many amblyopic patients will show no physical symptoms at all! Parents and caregivers can sometimes feel shame or guilt for not catching the amblyopia earlier in their child’s life, but it’s crucial for parents to remember that their child developed this condition by their brain adapting to poor vision, so many times the child does not recognize they cannot see clearly, and therefore they do not know they need help. Along with that, amblyopia can be treated at almost any age, so it is never too late to help them!
The causes of amblyopia can vary depending on the patient. Sometimes the source is misalignment of the eyes. This is called a strabismic amblyopia. Other times the eyes will have a refractive difference between them, which is simply a big-enough difference in the prescription needed for each eye to see clearly. We refer to this type as refractive amblyopia. The last and most severe of the types is called deprivation amblyopia. This is caused when there is a physical obstruction to one eye, such as cataracts or a droopy eyelid, which prevent development of normal vision in that eye. No matter the source of poor vision, eventually the brain notices that it can eliminate its struggles (such as blurry sight or seeing double) by turning off access to one eye, typically the eye that has the obstruction or needs a stronger prescription. When the brain chooses to suppress this eye then physical and visual development is halted, preventing normal 20/20 vision, in addition to other visual skills such as accurate tracking and focussing.
We help to treat amblyopia at Brighter Outlook Vision through various methods. Our children’s eye specialist can guide your family to the best option for your child’s specific needs. The most important aspect is to correct a patient’s glasses prescription and make sure they are seeing as well as possible.
Another method we use to treat amblyopia is vision therapy (VT), a process of neurosensory and neuromuscular activities that strive to enhance the working relationship of the eyes with the brain. VT activities involving patching* the stronger eye can help to “wake up” the amblyopic eye, as well as bi-ocular activities with red-green glasses. These glasses give each eye a different image while still working simultaneously to accomplish different tasks. When patients are able to use both eyes to their full advantage, they can fully develop a sense of depth in the world around them, which is important feedback to maintain clear, comfortable, and efficient vision. Our goal is to educate patients and caregivers on the issues we see, and to develop a plan forward together with the patient’s best vision at the forefront of our work.
*Note: At our practice, we rarely prescribe long-term or passive patching. We do utilize patching while doing active therapy. We also don’t use a full patch, insead we have glasses that obscure one eye, but that still allows some light to that eye without form. Our goal is binocular vision, and it takes two eyes for that!
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have amblyopia or strabismus, it is essential to consult a developmental optometrist to prevent potential lifelong challenges associated with these conditions. A developmental optometrist, such as Dr. Jesse Willingham, conducts comprehensive evaluations that go beyond standard eye exams. This in-depth testing helps identify the root causes and allows the doctor to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include vision therapy, specialty lenses, CureSight, or a combination of these. Our children’s eye specialist can help determine the best method of treatment for amblyopia based on your specific needs.
Optometric vision therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for amblyopia and strabismus. This therapy trains the brain to better communicate with the eyes, enhancing the ability to understand and navigate the world. It addresses the core issues by teaching the eyes and brain to work together. While younger children may adapt more quickly, individuals of any age can benefit from treating amblyopia or strabismus. Adult patients may require longer treatment programs than children, but each person’s journey is unique and personalized.
Connect with us to explore how we can open up a whole new world for you or your loved one! Our children’s eye specialist can help improve their amblyopia for better vision for life.
