Amblyopia, often called ‘lazy eye’, is reduced vision in one or occasionally both eyes that is not fully correctable with glasses and is due to abnormal visual development in childhood. The eye itself may appear structurally normal.
Causes
Common causes include a significant difference in prescription between the eyes (anisometropia), constant strabismus (eye turn), and visual deprivation from conditions such as congenital cataract or ptosis.
- Usually develops before the age of 7-8 years
- Early detection improves the chance of successful treatment
- May not be noticed without vision testing in each eye separately
Treatment
Management typically involves correcting refractive error with glasses and encouraging use of the weaker eye through patching or atropine drops in the stronger eye. Underlying problems such as cataract or strabismus may also require surgery.
Further Information
Blue Fin Vision®’s paediatric-focused materials and general blogs on childhood eye tests emphasise the importance of early screening for amblyopia and related conditions.
