Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

The condition occurs when the brain and one eye are not working together properly. Instead of processing visual information from both eyes equally, the brain favors one eye, which leads to poor vision in the other. Amblyopia can be caused by various factors, including strabismus (misaligned eyes), significant differences in prescription between the two eyes, or a physical obstruction in the eye, such as a cataract.

Symptoms of Amblyopia Amblyopia may not always present obvious symptoms, especially in young children who may not realize they have a vision problem. However, some common signs to watch for include:

• Poor Depth Perception: Difficulty in judging distances or the relative positions of objects.
• Squinting or Shutting One Eye: A child might close one eye or squint to see better.
• Head Tilting: Tilting the head to one side to improve vision.
• Frequent Eye Rubbing: A child might rub their eyes often, especially when trying to focus.
• Strabismus: Noticeable misalignment of the eyes, where one eye may wander in a different direction from the other.
• Difficulty in School: Poor vision may lead to challenges in reading, writing, and other visual tasks.

Diagnosing Amblyopia Early detection is key to effectively treating amblyopia. At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, we use a combination of diagnostic tests to assess vision in young patients:

• Visual Acuity Test: Measures the clarity of vision in each eye.
• Cover Test: Determines how well the eyes work together by covering and uncovering each eye while focusing on a target.
• Refractive Error Test: Identifies differences in prescription between the two eyes.
• Dilated Eye Exam: Allows a detailed examination of the internal structures of the eye to rule out other underlying conditions.

Treatment Options for Amblyopia At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, our approach to treating amblyopia is personalized to each child’s specific needs. The goal of treatment is to improve vision in the weaker eye and ensure both eyes work together effectively. Our treatment options include:

• Corrective Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses:

  • For children with refractive errors, prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct vision in the weaker eye, helping to balance the visual input between both eyes.

• Patching (Occlusion Therapy):

  • Patching involves covering the stronger eye with an eye patch, forcing the weaker eye to work harder and improve its visual function. This is often the most effective treatment for amblyopia, especially when started early.

• Atropine Eye Drops:

  • Atropine drops can be used in the stronger eye to temporarily blur its vision, encouraging the use of the weaker eye. This is an alternative to patching and can be particularly useful for children who have difficulty tolerating an eye patch.

• Vision Therapy:

  • Vision therapy involves a series of eye exercises and activities designed to improve the coordination and function of the eyes. This therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance visual outcomes.

• Surgical Intervention:

  • In cases where amblyopia is caused by a physical obstruction, such as cataracts, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction and allow for normal visual development.