Also commonly called “lazy eye”, amblyopia is a condition that causes one eye to have reduced visual acuity even when appropriate glasses are worn. This occurs when the brain suppresses or ignores information from one eye. Statistics show that the condition affects about 2 to 3 out of every 100 children, making it one of the most common causes of reduced vision in that age group.
Here are three common misconceptions about lazy eyes and the facts about them.
Amblyopia and Strabismus Are the Same
In some cases, amblyopia can be caused by strabismus. However, it’s important to note that these are two different conditions with distinct symptoms. Keep in mind that strabismus is characterized by one or both eyes turned in, out, up or down – thus, it is commonly referred to as “crossed eyes.” It is generally visible so it can be easy to spot. Meanwhile, amblyopia is a condition that affects visual acuity. It causes one eye to be weaker so it cannot see as clearly as the other eye. Because of this, it’s not easy to detect the condition by yourself. The best person to make an accurate assessment is an eye doctor.
Treatments of Amblyopia Are Limited to Glasses and Eye Patching
Glasses or contacts and eye patching are the traditional means of treating lazy eye. However, these are not your only options of treatment. Studies show that a combination of patching and vision therapy is the most effective treatment for amblyopia. Of course, since every case of amblyopia is unique, it’s best to visit an eye care center to get a better grasp of your or your child’s specific condition.
Lazy Eye Can No Longer Be Treated When the Child Becomes Older
It has been a long-standing misconception that children can no longer be treated for amblyopia past a certain age, particularly early in life when a child’s visual system is going through critical development. However, research indicates that various treatments for amblyopia can still be effective beyond the critical period, thanks to the brain’s plasticity, which allows the retraining of the visual system at any age.
Guilford Eye Center has been a trusted eye care specialist since 2001. Our team of doctors have over six decades of experience, so you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving superior eye care from any of them. Our services include eye exams, eye disease treatment and more. Call us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We serve customers in High Point, NC, and the surrounding areas.
