Some signs of amblyopia in children are squinting, closing one eye in order to see better, poor general vision, headaches, and eyestrain. Usually caretakers such as parents, caregivers, doctors, or nurses notice these symptoms and recommend the child for treatment. Strabismus is usually the cause of amblyopia. Strabismus is the eyes aligning incorrectly. Amblyopia can also be caused when there is a large difference between the eyes in refractive errors prescription much higher in one eye than the other.
For example, one eye is nearsighted, while the other is farsighted. If amblyopia is not treated, the brain will learn to disregard the vision in the eye with amblyopia. The eye that is disregarded does not grow with clear image and vision loss can be permanent. This is why it is very important to get early treatment and take your child to see your eye doctor if any signs are apparent.
There are several treatments for amblyopia, depending on the cause. Often children are treated using vision therapy, which usually includes a patch on the better eye. Other treatments are atropine eye drops, correct prescription eyeglasses, or surgery. Vision therapy consists of eye exercises, which aim to teach the eyes to work together. In cases of amblyopia, the exercises require the brain to recognize the affected eye, which restores vision in that eye.
Some doctors place a patch over the more functional eye, which forces the less functional eye to work harder and become stronger. Head tilting when examining an object is also a possible sign, along with frequent eye strain, eye fatigue, or headaches. In many cases, amblyopia is detectable during a vision screening as well. Since eye exams look at visual acuity in a variety of scenarios, the visual acuity reduction can typically be identified. One of the most common causes of amblyopia is strabismus, a condition where one eye is turned, preventing proper alignment between both eyes.
Another potential source of lazy eye is anisometropia, where each eye has different levels of visual acuity. Trauma and eye blockage such as a drooping eyelid may also cause amblyopia. The reason these conditions can lead to amblyopia is the difference in visual capability. That processing change can result in permanent vision loss. Many people believe that amblyopia is only treatable in children, often those who are 12 years of age or younger.
Otherwise, treatment will not work. Try distracting the child or having them do something that keeps their attention. Or reward the child with a treat for wearing the patch. It can take a while for your child to get used to wearing a patch. Over time, this should get easier for them and you. Remember that strengthening the weaker eye is the only way to develop healthy, normal vision.
If your child still takes off the patch, as a last resort, you might cover his or her hands with gloves, mittens, or socks. Pre-school or school-age children might not want to wear an eye patch or use blurring eye drops. To help, parents should explain how important these treatments are to be able to see well. And reassure them that lots of children wear eye patches for the same reason.
Consider having a very young child practice putting an eye patch on a doll. Or let the child decorate his or her patch with crayons or markers. Ask the teacher to compliment the child on being so good about wearing the patch. Children thrive on positive feedback from their teachers. In some cases, the ophthalmologist will recommend surgery to correct certain eye problems causing amblyopia.
After surgery, the child may need to keep wearing a patch or otherwise cover the stronger eye until his or her vision improves. It is possible to prevent vision loss from amblyopia. But treatment only works if your child only uses the weaker eye to see. Correcting droopy eyelids: For some people, amblyopia is caused by an eyelid that is blocking the vision to the weaker eye. In this case, the usual treatment is surgery to lift the eyelid.
Once the vision is corrected and any underlying medical issues are addressed, then there are several other actions that can be taken to help improve vision. As the brain is only getting information from that eye, it will not ignore it. The patch is usually worn for a few hours each day. A child should be encouraged to do close-up activities while wearing the patch, such as reading, coloring, or schoolwork. Atropine eye drops: These may be used to blur vision in the unaffected eye.
Atropine dilates the pupil, resulting in blurring when looking at things close up. This makes the lazy eye work more. Atropine is usually less conspicuous and awkward for the child, compared with a patch, and can be just as effective. Children who cannot tolerate wearing a patch may be prescribed eye drops instead.
Experts say this is helpful for older children. Vision exercises may be done in combination with other treatments. Surgery: Sometimes, eye surgery is performed to improve the appearance of an eye turn, resulting in better alignment of the eyes. This may or may not improve vision.
Exercises to help correct vision known as orthoptics. However, there are initially no specific exercises that can help to improve amblyopia. The stronger eye may be patched, and the weaker eye stimulated with a range of vision-intensive activities, such as coloring, dot-to-dot drawing, word games, or building Lego, depending on the age of the child.
Other exercises, such as home-based pencil push-ups HBPP , may be used once strength has returned to the weaker eye.
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