Amblyopia—often known as lazy eye—is a condition common among children who have one eye that has become stronger than the other. Over time, the child’s brain learns to ignore incoming signals from the weaker eye, causing it to wander or have problems focusing on objects. While children might learn to function with the condition, Wing Eyecare notes that leaving it untreated could lead to vision problems. Encouraging parents to stay aware of this vision problem, this eye care center highlights a few important things to know about amblyopia.  

Basic Guide to Amblyopia

What Causes Amblyopia?

Often, a child born with one eye that is farsighted—while the other can focus without difficulty—will eventually learn to block out the blurry images that come in from the weaker side. In some cases, a small cataract might be to blame, as the cloudy lens will make it more difficult for a child to perceive a clear image. In other situations, a condition known as strabismus can cause the eyes to point in different directions, sending two images to the brain. To make sense of the incoming images, the brain will ignore one side.

How Is It Treated?

In many cases, placing a patch on the stronger side can help correct amblyopia. Alternatively, a vision specialist can provide specialized drops, known as atropine, to temporarily blur the strong eye and retrain the weak one. If strabismus is the underlying cause, surgery might be recommended to correct ocular muscle function.

What Are the Symptoms?

Common signs that a child has amblyopia include wandering pupils, poor depth perception, headaches, and general vision problems. However, these signs might not always be present right away. As such, the best way to diagnose amblyopia is to have your child visit an eye care specialist for a comprehensive exam before they start school.

What Happens When It Goes Uncorrected?

Since the condition will not correct itself, it’s important to seek out pediatric eye care when your child has amblyopia. Left untreated, the problem can stop development of the weaker eye, increasing the risk of serious vision problems and possible blindness.

If you suspect your child is struggling with amblyopia, prompt diagnosis and treatment can allow for better results. As a family-friendly vision center, Wing Eyecare is a trusted resource for parents looking for reliable amblyopia treatment in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH. Equipped with state-of-the-art resources, these eye care specialists can quickly determine the cause of the problem and devise a treatment plan that can help your little one develop healthy sight. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their comprehensive services, or call (888) 274-9464 to schedule a convenient eye exam.