Guest Author - MaryTara Wurmser
It is estimated that 2-5% of the population has Amblyopia - that is more than 1 in 50 children and 1 in 20 preschool age children. While Amblyopia affects vision, it is actually a neurological condition. Biologically the eye works, but the brain shuts down (partially or fully) the functionality.
There are 2 types of Amblyopia:
Anisometropic amblyopia
Amblyopia resulting from a prescription difference between the right and left eye. In cases where one eye is strong and the other is weak, the strong eye does all the work and the weak eye is left to perish.
Strabismic Amblyopia
Amblyopia as a result of Strabismus (misaligned eyes) which could be an eye that turns or "floats".
If left untreated Amblyopia will result in blindness in the amblyopic eye
With early detection, treatment of Amblyopia can reverse this condition - preventing blindness.
Treatment Methods:
1. Prescription Glasses
Glasses are usually the first course of treatment for children with amblyopia but they will not correct the situation entirely.
2. Occlusion via an Eye Patch or Atropine Drops
The use of eye patches to occlude vision in the good eye to force the brain to use the weaker eye to see. Atropine drops are often used in alternative to an eye patch - the drops blur vision.
3. Vision Therapy
Exercises done in a clinical or home setting that specifically target working the eyes in an attempt to regain binocular vision.
4. Surgery
Surgery will not correct Amblyopia alone. However, if eyes are misaligned or a muscular condition exists surgery can be done to straighten out the eyes in the case of Strabismus, Exotropia, Esotropia.
Amblyopia can be treated at any age. A common belief is that Amblyopia if not treated by the age of 7 will be set in stone and unable to be corrected. As with any medical condition, early detection is key. Younger children do have the highest rate of success with the reversal of Amblyopia but older children (above the age of 7) respond favorably to occlusion as well. Results may be slower and less dramatic but progress can be made to regain sight and reverse amblyopia is older children and even in adults.
