Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) is a common, frequently discussed yet often misunderstood condition. It is difficult to detect, and by the time it is noticed, treatment is often delayed. When diagnosed early, amblyopia is one of the easiest conditions to treat. Amblyopia can be defined as the inability of the brain to improve vision in one or both eyes, despite no apparent structural disease in the eye's nerve layer or neural pathways. The mechanism of its formation is the "unused nerve" going into a dormant state. In other words, if the image from the eye's refractive structures does not reach or is blurred upon reaching the retina, amblyopia occurs. The underlying causes of amblyopia should be removed as soon as possible, and the visual pathways must be stimulated.
Causes of Amblyopia:
- Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
- Congenital cataracts
- Significant refractive differences between the eyes, such as high astigmatism, myopia, or hypermetropia in each eye (Anisometropia)
- Other abnormalities in the eye’s refractive structures such as the cornea, iris, lens, and vitreous
- Eyelid diseases (such as ptosis) can block the visual axis and lead to amblyopia.
Treatment of Amblyopia:
The earlier the treatment is started, the more successful it will be. The best outcomes are achieved by age 6. When amblyopia is diagnosed in time, the healthy eye is patched, and the brain is stimulated to process signals from the weaker eye. The goal is to gradually improve the vision in the affected eye. Later, glasses are prescribed to encourage proper use of both eyes.
How is Amblyopia Detected?
Amblyopia cannot be detected by parents. However, it can be diagnosed through a detailed eye examination by a doctor.
Amblyopia can occur at any age! There is no specific age for an eye exam. A child, no matter the age, can be examined if they have any complaints. Even if a child has no complaints, they should undergo an eye exam at least once between the ages of 1 and 3. Early detection of amblyopia significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Treatments for Amblyopia:
Early diagnosed amblyopia is very easy to treat. The most common method is to patch the good eye for certain periods, which forces the lazy eye to work. Surgery does not have a role in treating amblyopia. Amblyopia can also be treated with eye exercises through special devices known as Orthoptic Therapy in our clinic.
Orthoptic Therapy:
This treatment method consists of exercises designed to help the eye gain depth perception. Using special tools and imaging techniques, the treatment is personalized according to the patient's condition. For instance, a patient who needs to develop three-dimensional vision and depth perception will be treated with specialized imaging techniques. If the aim is to improve the performance of both lazy eyes, specific exercises will be used to target that goal.
Other Treatments for Amblyopia:
- Pleoptic Therapy
- Patching Technique
- Short-term Patching
- Medication
- Lens Therapy
- Neurovision™ Therapy
The Role of Proper Nutrition in Amblyopia Treatment:
The main treatment for amblyopia involves wearing the correct glasses and patching the healthy eye to stimulate the lazy eye. While vitamins do not directly impact the treatment, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is always beneficial for overall eye health.