Lazy Eye / Amblyopia

Factors Causing Lazy Eye / Amblyopia

It occurs in any situation that prevents the normal use of eyes. In most cases, amblyopia may be hereditary. Children in the family with amblyopia must be examined by an ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis is always important.

Strabismus is the most common cause of amblyopia.  The sliding eye image does not transmit to the brain and the person uses the eye that sees better.

Refraction defects: If one eye is too blurred because of the present high refractive error, this eye becomes lazy by completing its visual development. This is the type of lethargy that is most difficult to detect because there is no problem in the eyes. When parents detect the slippage in the eyes of the children they should immediately organize an examination but at this time the child is often too late. For this reason, all children should be examined before the age of 4, whether they are complaining or not.

Blur in eye tissues that need to be transparent: Cataract comes the beginning of this situation. This type of amblyopia is the most rapidly developing amblyopia. Therefore, every newborn child must be subjected to a red reflection test, which is a very easy test applied by a pediatrician and, if there is an abnormality, it should be examined by a ophthalmologist. The reason is that this type of amblyopia progresses very early and very deep. Congenital cataracts must be treated surgically as soon as possible.

Visual examinations of children are very difficult before ages of 3.5-4. For little children and babies, attempts are made to detect the eye with a certain number of methods, such as evaluating the response if the physician closes it manually. At the age of 4, the ophthalmologist follows the disease. He/she examines if there is any shift in the eyes. He/she examines if there is any slide on eyes. Then he/she checks if there is any turbidity in the transparent environment, the pupil is extended with drop and he/she measures the refraction values of both eyes. The important point here is that the refraction of one eye isn’t much more than the other. High refractive errors in both eyes are also taken into account. In addition to examination of refraction defect, examination of the retina (visual membrane) and optic nerve (visual nerve) is performed and the examination is completed.

It is based on the use of weak eye, which is the main treatment of amblyopia. This is done by closing the intact eye with a special bandage for several weeks or some time months. First, requirements are prescribed. The child begins to use it and the closure treatment is done. Before the operation, a certain period of closure treatment is performed, the operation is performed, and then the closure is continued for a while. Children do not like the closure. And they reject it. However, this period can be accomplished successfully with your interest and patience as a parent.