Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia occurs in 3-5% of the population. It occurs due to factors that cause blurry vision in the first seven years of a child’s life, which is when the highest visual development occurs. This leads to the affected eye receiving fewer images from the brain, causing decreased vision. This loss of vision can range from minimal to severe, and can be permanent if it is not corrected early or before the age of seven.

Common Causes of Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Crossed eyes (strabismus)
• Nearsightedness, farsightedness, excessive astigmatism, or unequal astigmatism in both eyes
• Eye disorders that cause vision obstructions, such as cataracts or droopy eyelids
• Disorders of the retina and optic nerves

Eye Disorders Frequently Found in Children: Recommended Screening by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Early Treatment

Frequency of Children's Visit to the Ophthalmologist

Divided into two groups:

Group 1: Children with abnormalities, such as:

• Premature infants (with a pediatrician's recommendation to see an ophthalmologist)
• Children with mental and developmental abnormalities.
• Children with other chronic conditions that the doctor believes may be related to eye disorders
• Children with noticeable vision problems, such as visual impairment, droopy eyelids, crossed eyes, myopia, tearing, red eyes, and white spots on the cornea
• Children with family members who have eye disorders that may be transmitted genetically, such as retinoblastoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts
• Parents of this group of children must bring them to see an ophthalmologist immediately when an abnormality is noticed to ensure early treatment because, in some cases, late diagnosis and treatment can lead to long-term visual problems

Group 2: Children with normal vision

If parents are certain that their children have normal vision, they may bring their children to see an ophthalmologist according to the schedule below:

• First time at three to six months
  • Normally a paediatrician will observe the general response of the child, but parents may bring their child to see an ophthalmologist if they are unsure about whether or not their child’s vision is normal, as the ophthalmologist will be able to tell if the child’s visual response is normal or not, whether the child’s eye movements are normal or not and if the child may have amblyopia, which is commonly found at this age. Treatment is more effective now than at a later stage.
• Second time at approximately three years old
  • In the United States this visit is recommended for all children, as it is the first time that eyesight can be measured and even if a child seems to see properly, they may have amblyopia. Eye conditions most commonly found and treated during this time are amblyopia and strabismus.
• Third time at approximately five to six years old
  • During this period, children use their eyes more, making it natural for near/farsightedness and astigmatism to develop. Therefore, it is important for a child to have regular vision checks to determine if they require glasses. Additionally, amblyopia detected during this stage can be treated very effectively.
• Following visits should be every one to two years until 18 years old, or according to any vision problems that occur or that are diagnosed.

Important Information

• Near / far sightedness and astigmatism are commonly found between the ages of six and 18 and can change each year due to a number of factors, such as growing bodies, genetics, the environment, and how the eyes are used.
• Correcting near / farsightedness and astigmatism with glasses is usually done to allow children improved vision, but it may become very necessary in children already suffering from amblyopia or to prevent amblyopia from occurring.
• Good vision can increase efficiency in learning and doing various activities, and not correcting impaired vision may affect other parts of the body and cause eye pain or headaches, and it is believed to cause even quicker changes in vision as well.

Amblyopia occurs in 3-5% of the population. It occurs due to factors that cause blurry vision in the first seven years of a child’s life, which is when the highest visual development occurs. This leads to the affected eye receiving fewer images from the brain, causing decreased vision. This loss of vision can range from minimal to severe, and can be permanent if it is not corrected early or before the age of seven.