Amblyopia, better known as “Lazy Eye”, is a common eye condition where decreased vision occurs in one or both eyes due to abnormal development of vision in infancy or childhood. In the simplest terms, it is when vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together correctly. Nearly 3 percent of the population suffers from amblyopia, and most people are not even aware that they have it. Amblyopia in adults is very common due to this.
There are several types of amblyopia: strabismic, deprivation and refractive. Strabismic amblyopia develops from the misalignment of two eyes, during which one eye may turn in or out, up or down. Deprivation amblyopia results from a cataract, which is a physical obstruction of vision. Refractive amblyopia is caused by the inability of one eye to focus as well as the other (farsightedness or nearsightedness).
Regardless of the type or cause, amblyopia affects individuals of all ages. In fact, it is the most common cause of decreased vision among children, teenagers and middle-aged adults. A common misconception of this vision condition is that it cannot be treated in adults. However, we have successfully treated patients of all ages with amblyopia. If you are an adult who is suffering from these symptoms and believe you have amblyopia, you should schedule an appointment with us for a complete vision evaluation.
Common amblyopia symptoms include:
- Poor depth perception
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Squinting, tilting the head, or closing one eye to read or see an object
- An inward or outward wandering eye
Amblyopia not only affects your vision, but it also can affect your depth perception, causing you to have problems performing everyday activities. For example, you may experience trouble driving, playing catch with your child, or walking up the steps in your home or workplace. If you have noticed that these tasks have become difficult, our vision therapy program can help you get your vision back on track. It is important that you come see us at Vision for Life, as a basic eye exam will not properly detect amblyopia. We will perform specialized visual acuity testing, which will accurately diagnose the condition.
Once we have diagnosed amblyopia, we will then develop an individualized therapy program. Our vision therapy consists of simple exercises that encourage both of your eyes to work together with the brain equally. We also utilize specialized computer and optical devices, such as therapeutic lenses, prisms and filters to strengthen your weaker eye’s connection with the brain. Once you have advanced to the finals stages of your vision therapy program, your newly acquired vision skills will then be reinforced through repetition and integration with motor and cognitive skills.
At Vision for Life, we encourage you to be proactive in your family’s eye care and to make an appointment with us if you believe you or your child is suffering from amblyopia. If amblyopia is left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Don’t wait because you think it is too late. Our office has corrected amblyopia in patients of ALL ages. Pick up the phone and call us now at 618-288-1489 or contact us here.