Issue 38.13
Amblyopia, or what is commonly referred to as lazy eye, is a neurological condition where clear vision has not been “seen”, or imprinted in the brain. This vision development occurs early in life, from birth up to 6-9 years of age. If normal vision has not been experienced enough, the brain is unable to see clearly with it, regardless of any glasses that would otherwise help. The usual culprits are either a misaligned eye (strabismus), or an eye that has an improper focus, or denied vision.
Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment in single eyes of children and young adults. Amblyopia occurs in approximately 3% of the population, and is completely curable, if not greatly reduced with early intervention. Children that are experiencing vision problems may not understand that their vision is anything other than normal and can be difficult to determine at home, especially if the child is pre-verbal.
Stereopsis is the ability to see depth, or 3D. This is a very important aspect as we think about complex activities such as driving and athletics. However, good depth perception is key to everyday activities such as threading a needle, pouring a glass of milk, or stepping off a curb. Stereopsis is developed before the age of 2, and only occurs if both eyes are coordinating, and is best developed when both eyes are seeing clearly. Amblyopia not only negatively affects the clarity of an eye, it effects the perception of the world around you, and your ability to interact with it.
In order to improve amblyopia, the eye that has up until now been deprived must be allowed a normal visual experience. This includes correction of any focusing issues it may have with spectacles, and covering of the fellow eye. This will maximize the brains’ awareness of the eye, and improve its ability to perceive clarity from it. This can be a slow process, and requires due diligence and patience.
Early intervention is key to treating amblyopia. Screening of amblyopia and other vision problems can occur with pediatricians, school screenings, eye care professionals, and others. While school screenings can catch many vision problems, it is best to catch amblyopia related problems much sooner, preferably before the age of 2*. Treatments after the age of 8-9 have not proven to be particularly effective.
If you know someone with children that has a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, or are just uncertain of their child’s status, please encourage them to visit their eye care professional.
*The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam by 6 months of age.
Dr. Gibb can be contacted at Richens Eye Center, 435-986-2020.