Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is a condition that affects the vision development of one eye, often leading to reduced vision if left untreated. While it’s one of the most common visual disorders in children, many parents remain unaware of its early signs and potential treatment options.
 

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other due to poor vision development in the weaker eye. This condition often stems from issues like a significant difference in prescription between the two eyes (refractive amblyopia), misaligned eyes (strabismic amblyopia), or a physical blockage such as a cataract (deprivation amblyopia).
 

Signs and Symptoms of Amblyopia

Detecting amblyopia early is key to successful treatment. Watch for these common signs:

• Difficulty in Focusing: Your child may struggle to focus on objects with one eye.
   

• Misaligned Eyes: A noticeable eye turn, either inward or outward, could indicate strabismus, a common cause of amblyopia.
   

• Frequent Eye Rubbing: Children with amblyopia may rub one eye more than the other.
   

• Poor Depth Perception: Difficulty judging distances or clumsiness in physical activities may be signs of reduced depth perception.
   

• Squinting or Closing One Eye: Children may close or squint one eye to compensate for blurry vision in the weaker eye.
   

• Avoiding Visual Tasks: Amblyopia can cause discomfort during reading, drawing, or other close-up tasks.
   

How is Amblyopia Diagnosed?

Amblyopia is often detected during a comprehensive eye exam. At Eye Carumba Optometry, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your child’s visual acuity, alignment, and overall eye health. Early eye exams, ideally before age three, are critical to identifying amblyopia and other vision issues.
 

Treatment for Amblyopia

Early intervention is crucial for treating amblyopia effectively. Children's visual systems are highly adaptable, especially during the early developmental years. Delaying treatment could lead to permanent vision impairment in the affected eye.
 

The goal of amblyopia treatment is to improve the weaker eye’s visual function and ensure both eyes work together effectively. Treatment often involves:
 

• Corrective Eyewear: Glasses or contact lenses can address refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, improving the weaker eye's focus.
   

• Patching: Covering the stronger eye with an eye patch forces the brain to rely on the weaker eye, promoting its development.
   

• Atropine Drops: Atropine eye drops can blur vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder.
   

• Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct strabismus or remove physical obstructions contributing to amblyopia.
   

Trust Eye Carumba Optometry for Amblyopia Care

Early detection of strabismus is essential for preserving and enhancing your child’s vision, improving their overall quality of life, and preventing long-term complications like amblyopia. By addressing misaligned eyes at an early stage, you can ensure your child develops healthy visual skills that will benefit them throughout their life.
 

If you suspect your child may have strabismus, schedule an eye exam with Eye Carumba Optometry for expert care. Visit our office in San Francisco, California, or call (415) 360-6900 to book an appointment today.