Amblyopia,
commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition where vision in one of the
eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together
properly. The visual loss in amblyopia cannot be corrected by just wearing
glasses. Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment during
childhood. The condition affects approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100
children. It is thought to develop early in life during the critical
period of visual development. Unless it is successfully treated in early
childhood, amblyopia usually persists into adulthood, and is the most
common cause of monocular (one eye) visual impairment among children
and young and middle-aged adults.
Amblyopia may be caused by any condition that affects normal visual development or use of the eyes. Strabismus, which is an imbalance in the positioning of the two eyes, is the most common cause of amblyopia. Strabismus can cause the eyes to cross in (esotropia) or turn out (exotropia). Other causes of amblyopia include childhood cataracts, unequal nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. There is often a family history of this condition.
The symptoms of amblyopia include:
Amblyopia is usually easily diagnosed with a complete examination of the eyes.
In general, the earlier the child has the condition for the development of amblyopia the worse it may become. Similarly, the earlier the treatment is started, the better the opportunity to reverse vision loss. Before treating amblyopia, it may be necessary to first treat the underlying cause. Glasses are commonly prescribed to improve focusing or misalignment of the eyes. Surgery may be performed on the eye muscles to straighten the eyes if non-surgical means are unsuccessful. Surgery can help in the treatment of amblyopia by allowing the eyes to work together better. Eye exercises may also be recommended either before or after surgery to correct faulty visual habits associated with strabismus and to teach comfortable use of the eyes. Following treatment of the underlying cause, patching or covering one eye may be required for a period of time. The better-seeing eye is patched, forcing the “lazy” one to work, thereby strengthening its vision.
Sparta Eye Associates
117 Sparta Ave
Sparta, NJ 07871
Phone: 973-729-9199
Blairstown Eye Associates
174 Route 94
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Phone: 908-362-8257
Califon Eye Associates
438 Rte. 513 Victorian Square
Califon, NJ 07830
Phone: 908-832-9211
Stanhope Eye Associates
117 Sparta Ave
Sparta NJ 07871
Phone: 973-347-8877
Branchville Eye Associates
200 Route 206
Frankford Twp NJ
Phone: 973-948-7272