What is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is the loss of vision caused when a clear image of the world is not available on the retina during key periods of development. In newborns and young children, the visual cortex of the brain develops dramatically. It keeps growing during the first ten years of life.
Who gets amblyopia?
Strabismus, in which one eye deviates to the side and isn’t utilized as much, may result in a lazy eye. It might happen if one eye is more nearsighted or farsighted than the other, or if there is astigmatism causing an imbalance in the two eyes’ vision. If one eye has a cataract limiting vision or if there has been trauma, it may happen.
Regardless of the reason, once the “lazy” eye calms down, the vision in That eye gets worse, starting a destructive cycle. It is not necessary for the first contrast between the eyes to be stark
Symptoms of amblyopia?
The majority of amblyopia cases are identified during routine eye exams without any symptoms being present. Reduced visual acuity is a sign of lazy eye; however, this is usually not seen unless the child gets her eyesight examined.
- Frequently rubs, squints, or shuts one eye
- Tilts the head to the side
- Challenges with reading
- Math challenges
- The poor athletic performance or a history of accidents
- Decreased fine motor abilities
How to prevent amblyopia?
Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus, astigmatism, cataracts, and other visual issues can stop the lazy eye in its tracks.
Amblyopia and the accompanying vision issues that may lead to it cannot be avoided. But you can stop it from deteriorating or posing long-term issues. Getting routine eye exams is the greatest method to stop amblyopia from causing vision loss. By the age of 6 months and again by the age of 3 years, make sure your child has had a comprehensive eye examination.
Is my child at risk for amblyopia?
Amblyopia affects some children at birth while it affects others later in infancy. A child is more likely to have amblyopia if they:
- were born too soon (premature)
- were born smaller than usual
- Have a family history of lazy eye, childhood cataracts, or other eye condition
- possess developmental impairments
How will the doctor examine my child for amblyopia?
The doctor will check for lazy eyes in your child as part of a routine vision examination. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 should have their vision examined at least once.
Early treatment of amblyopic children is crucial; the earlier the better. Without therapy, children may develop lifelong eyesight issues.
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