Amblyopia
Key points
- Amblyopia is loss of visual acuity in one eye caused by lack of use of that eye in early childhood.
- Amblyopia can be caused by any condition that causes one eye to be favored and the other ignored by the brain.
- Amblyopia is usually easily diagnosed with a complete examination of the eyes.
- The primary treatment involves patching the normal eye to force use of the non-preferred, amblyopic eye.
Alternative names
Lazy eye
Definition
Amblyopia is loss of visual acuity in one eye caused by lack of use of that eye in early childhood.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Amblyopia can be caused by any condition that causes one eye to be favored and the other ignored by the brain. Strabismus (crossed eyes), different refractive errors (farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism) in the two eyes, and childhood cataract are common causes of amblyopia.
The preferred eye becomes dominant and has normal vision. The non-favored eye is ignored by the brain to avoid a clash between the two different images from the eyes. As a result, the visual system in the brain for the non-favored eye fails to develop properly. Between ages 5 and 10, the brain stops growing and the condition becomes permanent.
Strabismus is the most common cause of amblyopia, and there is often a family history of this condition.
Symptoms
Amblyopia should be suspected in a child if any of the following are seen:
- Eyes that turn in or out
- Eyes that do not appear to work together
- Lack of depth perception
Signs and tests
Amblyopia is usually easily diagnosed with a complete examination of the eyes. Special tests are usually not required.
Treatment
The primary treatment involves patching the normal eye to force use of the non-preferred, amblyopic eye. Sometimes, drops are used to blur the vision of the normal eye instead of putting a patch on it. Younger patients have more potential for the visual system of the brain to develop, and thus better potential for improved vision when amblyopia is treated.
The underlying condition will also require treatment. If refractive error is the cause, glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed. If strabismus is the cause, this will require a program of treatment.
Children whose vision cannot be expected to fully recover should wear glasses with protective lenses of polycarbonate, as should all children with only one good eye caused by any disorder.
Expectations (prognosis)
When treatment starts before age 5, near complete recovery of normal vision is usually possible. This becomes progressively less likely as children become older. Only partial recovery can be expected after age 10.
Complications
Frequently asked questions
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia is loss of visual acuity in one eye caused by lack of use of that eye in early childhood.
What are the risk factors for amblyopia?
Amblyopia can be caused by any condition that causes one eye to be favored and the other ignored by the brain. Strabismus (crossed eyes), different refractive errors (farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism) in the two eyes, and childhood cataract are common causes of amblyopia. The preferred eye becomes dominant and has normal vision. The non-favored eye is ignored by the brain to avoid a clash between the two different images from the eyes. As a result, the visual system in the brain for the non-favored eye fails to develop properly. Between ages 5 and 10, the brain stops growing and the condition becomes permanent.
What are the symptoms of amblyopia?
Amblyopia should be suspected in a child if any of the following are seen:
- Eyes that turn in or out
- Eyes that do not appear to work together
- Lack of depth perception
How is amblyopia treated?
The primary treatment involves patching the normal eye to force use of the non-preferred, amblyopic eye. Sometimes, drops are used to blur the vision of the normal eye instead of putting a patch on it. Younger patients have more potential for the visual system of the brain to develop, and thus better potential for improved vision when amblyopia is treated. The underlying condition will also require treatment. If refractive error is the cause, glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed. If strabismus is the cause, this will require a program of treatment.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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