What is Lazy Eyes (Amblyopia) ?

Laser Vision

"Doctor, will my child develop a lazy eye?" This is a common concern among parents. Let's delve into the details of "lazy eye" or "amblyopia" for a better understanding.

Understanding Lazy Eye

Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a condition where one eye has weaker vision than the other. The affected eye perceives images less clearly than the healthy eye. Typically, this condition manifests in children, from infancy up to around 6 or 7 years old. Without proper and timely treatment, it can lead to permanent, uncorrectable vision issues. No corrective measures, be it glasses, eye drops, surgery, or eye patches, can fully restore vision.

Recognizing Lazy Eye Symptoms

In the natural course of development, a child's eyes grow and mature from birth. However, any irregularities in one eye's function that hinder its full utilization can result in a lazy eye. The brain adapts by favoring the stronger eye, which compromises the weaker eye's development. As a result, the weaker eye never fully matures.

Lazy eye can be effectively treated when parents observe their child's behavior and promptly seek medical attention. Unfortunately, some parents are unaware of what lazy eye entails, leading to missed opportunities for treatment. In most cases, if treatment is delayed until a child is over 7 years old, the chance of fully correcting vision decreases significantly or may become non-existent.

Causes of Lazy Eye

Lazy eye can stem from various factors, including:

Crossed or Strabismic Eye: Children with crossed eyes, where one eye turns inward, may struggle with clear vision. The brain may suppress the image from the misaligned eye.

Unequal Refractive Errors: When one eye has significantly different refractive errors (nearsightedness or farsightedness) than the other, the brain may prioritize the clearer image.

Eye Conditions: Other eye conditions, such as congenital cataracts, glaucoma, drooping eyelids, or bleeding into the vitreous humor (jelly of the eye), can cause poor vision and contribute to lazy eye.

Lazy eye is treatable, and early intervention is paramount. If you suspect your child may have lazy eye, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Related Blogs

Children's Eye Center

Safe Songkran Celebration - Protecting Your Eyes from Infections

Safe Songkran Celebration - Protecting Your Eyes from Infections Eyes are vulnerable to various infections, particularly when exposed to impure water during the Songkran festival. Water used for the festivities may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Before joining the water splashing fun, it's crucial to examine the water you'll be using for any contamination like dust, debris, sand, or impurities. Eye Conditions Arising from Unclean Water and Contaminants Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms include redness, itching, eye discharge, excessive tearing, and inflammation of the white part of the eye. It can be caused by allergies or infections, including bacteria or viruses transmitted through contaminated water. Corneal Abrasions and Ulcers: The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can be scratched due to foreign objects or improper use of contact lenses. Severe cases can lead to corneal ulcers when infections occur. Stye: Styes are inflamed oil glands on the eyelid. When these glands get blocked, they can become painful and red. Red Eye: This condition includes symptoms like a red and swollen white of the eye, excessive eye discharge, itching, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. If you get water or foreign objects in your eye, rinse with clean water. Afterward, observe if the symptoms improve; if not, consult a doctor within 1-2 days. Precautions for Songkran Celebration Before participating in the water festivities, ensure that the water is sufficiently clean and free from impurities. If something foreign enters your eye, do not rub it as this may dislodge your cornea. Rinse your eye with clean water and seek medical attention if necessary. If contaminated water causes eye irritation, such as redness, itching, or tearing, rinse your eyes with flowing clean water. For contact lens wearers, it's not recommended to wear lenses while participating in water activities to prevent infections. After the Songkran celebration, check for any signs of eye discomfort or redness. If you experience eye irritation that doesn't improve, consult an eye doctor. In Summary While celebrating Songkran, take steps to protect your eyes from infections caused by impure water and contaminants. By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and joyful Songkran festival without compromising your eye health.

Laser Vision

เตรียมตัวก่อนทำเลสิก NanoRelex ต้องทำอย่างไรบ้าง