Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
Amblyopia, often referred to as lazy eye, is a condition where one eye has weaker vision compared to the other. This weaker eye fails to develop normal visual acuity (sharpness) even with corrective lenses like glasses or contacts. While it typically develops during childhood, it can sometimes go unnoticed.
Symptoms of Amblyopia​​​​
Amblyopia may not always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in young children who may not be aware of their vision potential. However, some signs to watch for include:
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Poor depth perception: Difficulty judging distances or bumping into objects.
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Squinting: Squinting one eye to see more clearly.
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Turning the head to see: Tilting the head to favour the stronger eye.
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Lazy eye appearance: One eye may seem to drift inward or outward.
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Poor vision in one eye: This may become apparent during routine eye exams or when one eye is covered.​​
Causes of Amblyopia
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Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): When the eyes are misaligned and don't aim at the same object, the brain may favour the stronger eye and suppress signals from the weaker eye. This suppression prevents the weaker eye from developing proper vision.
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Refractive Errors: Uncorrected refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism in one eye can cause blurry vision in that eye. If left uncorrected during critical development stages in childhood, the brain may favour the clearer eye, leading to amblyopia.
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Blocked Vision: Conditions that obstruct vision in one eye, such as cataracts or droopy eyelids (ptosis) during childhood, can prevent the weaker eye from developing normally.​​​

Amblyopia Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The primary goal of amblyopia treatment is to strengthen the weaker eye and encourage the brain to use it more effectively. Several treatment approaches can be used:
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Patching: The stronger eye may be patched for a certain amount of time each day, forcing the brain to rely on the weaker eye and stimulate its development.
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Penalization: Special eye drops can be used to temporarily blur vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the use of the weaker eye.
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Vision Therapy: Specific eye exercises can help strengthen the weaker eye and improve its coordination with the stronger eye.
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Corrective Eyewear: Eyeglasses or contact lenses can be prescribed to correct any underlying refractive errors and improve overall vision clarity.
Don't wait for vision problems to impact your child's learning and development. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam today! Early intervention with an optometrist can ensure your child sees the world clearly.
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