What is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is commonly known as lazy eye and is where the vision is
reduced in one of the eyes because the amblyopic eye and the brain are
not working together properly. The eye itself looks normal, but it is
not being used properly as the brain is favoring the other eye. In both
cases, one eye becomes stronger, suppressing the image of the other
eye. In a minority of cases this may result in a reduction of vision in
both eyes. It is estimated that three percent of children under six
have some form of amblyopia.

With early diagnosis and treatment, the sight in the amblyopic eye can
be restored, however if this condition persists, the weaker eye may
becomes useless.

Treatments for Amblyopia
Amblyopia cannot be correced by glasses or contact lenses and is not
due to any eye disease.

If not detected and treated early in life, amblyopia can cause a
permanent loss of vision with associated loss of stereopsis (two eyed
depth perception). Detection and correction before the age of two
offers the best chance for restoration of normal vision. However,
treatment can improve this condition even in adulthood

Amblyopia can be treated fairly successfully between the ages of 2 and
6, but the success decreases with age. The best results from treatment
occurs between ages 6 mos. to 2 years.

Treatment is usually simple, employing glasses, drops, exercises and/or
patching. Though true amblyopia can not be cured (after the age of 6)
treatment for the older child is usually successful in improving vision
and should be attempted. Treatment of amblyopia after the age of 6 is
not dependent upon age but requires more effort including vision
therapy. Every amblyopic patient deserves an attempt at treatment.

It should be remembered, that amblyopia causes more visual loss in the
under 40 group than all the injuries, and diseases combined in this age
group.