Amblyopia is Curable
Timely diagnosis is curable, Method of patching should be according to the interests
Amblyopia is reduced vision in an anatomically normal eye. The term "lazy eye" is used to describe it. Amblyopia normally affects only one eye in most patients. However, it is possible, though rare, to be amblyopic in both eyes. In this condition vision does not develop properly in one eye. If it's left untreated, a child's vision will never develop correctly in that eye. Vision impairment becomes permanent because as the child's brain matures, it will "ignore" the image coming from the poorly seeing eye. That's why it's essential to have a child with amblyopia regularly tested by an eye doctor.
Amblyopia Causes
Amblyopia usually starts when one eye has much better focus than the other eye. it begins to ignore the blurry image. If this goes on for months or years in a young child, the vision in the eye that sees the blurry image will deteriorate.
Another cause of amblyopia is strabismus, which is an ocular misalignment, meaning that one eye turns inward or outward. This prevents the eyes from focusing together on an image and may cause double vision. To combat this, the child's brain generally chooses to ignore the image from the deviated eye, causing the vision in that eye to deteriorate. It's this misalignment of the eyes that leads some people to call amblyopia "lazy eye."
In other cases, a child cannot see well in one eye because something blocks light from getting through.
How Is Amblyopia Diagnosed
- Your child's eyes let light all the way through.
- Both eyes see equally well.
- The eyes move normally.
If there's a problem in any area, the doctor or school nurse may recommend a visit to an eye specialist. If you feel that something could be wrong with your child's vision, call your doctor even if your child has been screened at school. Some eye care experts recommend an exam by an eye doctor at 6 months, 3 years, and then every two years in the school years. Ask your doctor or eye doctor which is right for your child.
Treatment
The most common treatment for amblyopia is to force the brain to start using the "bad" eye. This is done by first correcting any underlying problems in that eye and then by putting a patch over the "good" eye. At first, the child will have a hard time seeing with just the weaker eye. However, it is very important that your child wear the patch diligently because this will eventually improve vision. It can take weeks or months for an eye patch to improve vision. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and follow the schedule to bring your child to the eye doctor to be monitored closely during treatment.
Method of patching should be according to the interests of the child
- Patch should be stuck directly on the face over the eye.
- If the child wears glasses, the patch should be placed on the face, not on the glasses.
- Glasses can also be used as an occluder only in older children.
- Many children try to take the patch off. This problem usually disappears as the child grows accustomed to wearing the patch.
- Older children can be encouraged to read and young children can be involved in playing interesting games during patching.
- Precautions must be taken to prevent the child from peaking around the edge of the patch.
- Patching schedules should be followed strictly.
- Patching should not be stopped abruptly. The programme should be tapered only by ophthalmologists.
- Regular follow-up visits are a must.