Amblyopia
Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition
in which one eye has reduced sight, even with glasses or contact lenses.
Treatment in years past was oriented toward age and the type of amblyopia.
It used to be thought that amblyopia could only be treated until age 6. This was called the critical age or period. It was incorrectly thought that treatment after this would not be effective. Research has proven this wife's tale to be wrong. With today's techniques it is possible to treat amblyopia at any age. It is a fact that older amblyopes will usually attain less improvement. Therefore treatment should be started as early as possible.
Many people are confused into thinking that lazy eye indicates an eye which drifts (wanders) in or out. A drifting eye can be the cause of amblyopia. A drifting eye is called strabismus. The resulting lazy eye is called Strabismic Amblyopia. So a lazy eye can be caused by strabismus. If the eye does not align properly, the brain will usually ignore it and not develop efficient pathways for it. That explains the reduced sight in the lazy eye. Treatment for this cause of amblyopia is to stimulate the deficient eye and to eliminate the strabismus.
Another cause of amblyopia is due to a vastly different optical prescription in the lazy eye. Many times the "good" eye will not need a prescription and the lazy eye will be highly farsighted (eye shape is too short) or astigmatic (eye shape is distorted). This is called Refractive Amblyopia. Treatment is accomplished in two areas. First, the lazy eye must have a optical prescription. This is usually done with a contact lens (the best) or glasses. Next, the amblyopic eye must be stimulated with specific activities.
Technical research summaries for amblyopia can be found here
A new and controversial treatment for amblyopia is with L-dopa. It shows promise but much research needs to be done. Another alternative to patching is atropine drops.
Additional Links
Lazy Eye
Optometric Clinical Practice Guideline for the Care of the Patient with
Amblyopia
100 North Rancho Road, Suite #1
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Phone (805)495-3937 Fax (805)373-9843
E-Mail