August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, and it is the perfect time to remind parents about amblyopia, often referred to as lazy eye. Amblyopia is the most common cause of optical issues in young people, impacting two to three out of every 100 children. The good news is that, in most cases, amblyopia can be treated successfully by an optical professional, but early intervention is crucial. Without it, amblyopia can worsen and be more difficult to correct later in life. Below are some important aspects all parents should know about this condition.

What It Is

Amblyopia typically starts during infancy or the early childhood years. It is the result of ineffective nerve stimulation between the brain and one eye, causing the brain to favor the eye with the stronger nerve signal. Consequently, vision in the compromised eye weakens. Essentially what happens in amblyopia is the compromised eye is unable to work properly with the brain to produce clear vision.

Any optical issue that prohibits one eye from clearly focusing can lead to amblyopia. In most cases, this is because of a misalignment of the eyes—called strabismus—in which one eye turns inward or outward. It can also be the result of pronounced nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism, or a cataract in one eye.

How to Treat It

There are several ways that optical professionals can treat amblyopia. Sometimes, all it takes is corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. A more common treatment is the application of an adhesive patch over the stronger eye, which forces the brain to work with and strengthen the weaker eye; atropine eyedrops work in the same way as an eyepatch, temporarily decreasing vision in the "good" eye so the brain must work with the weaker one. To specially address strabismic-related amblyopia, surgery may be needed to bring the eyes back into alignment.

The Importance of Corrective Eyewear

Most children with amblyopia will benefit from wearing corrective eyewear like glasses or contact lenses as part of their overall, long-term treatment plan. Corrective eyewear continues to strengthen vision in both eyes and is vital to maintaining clear sight throughout childhood and into adulthood.

If your child has a weak or wandering eye, or you notice them struggling with their sight in one eye, amblyopia may be the reason. Consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive optical exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Cook Inlet Eyewear offers a variety of eyeglasses for people of all ages. Since 1994, they have been providing adult and kids' glasses to the Anchorage, AK, area, and they feature the state's largest selection of pediatric frames. Trust them to fit your child with the right pair of glasses to help correct eye issues like amblyopia. Call (907) 276-1021 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.