Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is the leading cause of decreased vision in children. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it affects between 2 and 10 percent of children and can lead to problems with depth perception, reading comprehension and peripheral vision. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss as well as significant difficulties in education and social development. Fortunately, however, amblyopia treatment options at Vision for Life & Success are simple and straightforward.
What Is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is a condition that causes decreased vision and is often referred to as “lazy eye.” Amblyopia develops when one eye doesn’t receive proper stimulation, often because of strabismus (an eye turn), genetics, from an asymmetric lens prescription and sometimes from trauma or a cataract. Left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss. If you believe you or your child may have amblyopia, Vision for Life & Success offers a comprehensive exam to detect your child’s condition as well as treatment if this condition does indeed exist. We are able to perform specific visual acuity testing to diagnose any vision concerns, going beyond a traditional eye exam.
Amblyopia Symptoms
Children with amblyopia are often diagnosed between the ages of five and seven. Common symptoms of amblyopia include depth perception difficulties, headaches, tilting of the head, closing one eye to see or read clearly, having a wandering eye. When your depth perception is being compromised, it’s difficult to perform everyday activities like reading and walking. Fortunately, amblyopia symptoms can be treated using vision therapy. Vision therapy helps train both eyes to work together as a team and strengthens under-developed areas of vision. Most children who complete treatment can achieve up to 20/20 vision.
Treatments for Amblyopia
Amblyopia is a disorder of vision characterized by poor eyesight in one eye which affects the coordination between both eyes. When treated early with vision therapy, eyesight can be improved significantly enough that the eyes can be taught how to work in unison. Vision for Life & Success uses cutting-edge treatment specifically designed for amblyopia. Syntonic therapy is key to the successful treatment we provide, using colored goggles while looking at a small lamp. Eye-patching alone is not as impactful as using vision therapy and Syntonics at Vision for Life & Success.
We reinforce our customized vision therapy using repetition and integration with motor and cognitive skills. At Vision for Life & Success, we are able to correct the visual problems the brain may be having due to amblyopia. This condition canaffect people of all ages and is the most common cause of decreased vision among children, teens and middle-aged adults. Adults, as well as children, can be treated with amblyopia at Vision for Life & Success. Interested in learning more? Visit our website at visionforlifeworks.com or contact us directly at (618) 288-1489.