Amblyopia — commonly known as Lazy Eye — is a childhood vision condition where one eye becomes weaker than the other. The weaker eye sends a poor image to the brain, and over time, the brain begins to ignore that eye, leading to reduced vision.
This condition usually develops before the age of 8, and if left untreated, the vision loss may become permanent.
The most common causes include refractive errors, squint (strabismus), and early childhood eye injuries.
The good news? Amblyopia is highly treatable, especially when identified early, and vision therapy plays a major role in restoring the weaker eye’s functioning.
Types of Amblyopia
1. Strabismus Amblyopia – Caused by eye misalignment; affects one eye.
2. Refractive Amblyopia – Due to unequal power between both eyes.
3. Stimulus Deprivation (Occlusion) Amblyopia – Caused by obstruction of vision (e.g., cataract, droopy eyelid).
4. Ametropic Amblyopia – Due to high refractive error in both eyes.
5. Meridional Amblyopia – Caused by astigmatism; may affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms of Amblyopia
- Poor vision in one eye (often unnoticed because the other eye compensates)
- Poor depth perception (e.g., difficulty catching a ball)
- Eye fatigue or strain
- Head tilting
- Closing or covering one eye
- Difficulty reading or focusing on details
Causes of Amblyopia
1. Refractive Errors – Unequal focusing ability between both eyes.
2. Squint (Strabismus) – Eyes pointing in different directions.
3. Other Causes – Cataract, droopy eyelid, or eye injuries that block normal visual input.
Effective Treatment for Amblyopia in Children
- Vision Therapy (Most Effective Method)
The primary treatment is patching, where the stronger eye is covered to force the weaker eye to work, improving vision over time. - Pencil Push-Up Exercises
Enhances eye coordination and focusing skills. - Red-Green Goggle Activities
Used for binocular training to balance visual signals from both eyes. - Computer-Based Vision Therapy Software
Interactive digital exercises that motivate children while strengthening the weaker eye.
💡 If you notice symptoms or suspect Lazy Eye in your child, consult a paediatric ophthalmologist or a certified vision therapist for early evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
Key Takeaway
Amblyopia is preventable and treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Regular eye check-ups before school age are crucial. With timely treatment, structured vision therapy, and supportive home exercises, children can regain strong, balanced vision and avoid long-term complications.
For best results, it’s important to work with a trained paediatric vision therapist who can create a customised treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs.
