Amblyopia

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a vision development disorder in which one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even when glasses or contact lenses are used. It typically begins in early childhood and is the most common cause of vision problems in children. Amblyopia occurs when the brain and the affected eye do not work together properly, and the brain favors one eye over the other.

• Causes: The primary causes of amblyopia include strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), significant refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) that are unequal between the eyes, or a physical blockage that prevents light from entering the eye (such as cataracts). If left untreated, amblyopia can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
• Symptoms: The main symptom of amblyopia is poor vision in one eye that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Children may not report vision problems, but they may exhibit signs like squinting, covering one eye, or tilting their head to see better.
• Treatment: Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing long-term vision impairment. Treatment often involves corrective lenses, eye patches, or atropine drops to force the brain to use the weaker eye. Vision therapy or exercises may also be prescribed to strengthen the affected eye. In cases of amblyopia caused by cataracts or other obstructions, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage. With early and consistent treatment, most children experience significant improvement in their vision.