What is lazy eye syndrome?
What is lazy eye syndrome?
Lazy eye syndrome (amblyopia) is when vision is limited due to underdevelopment of the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. In this case, the child can see well in one eye but has trouble seeing in the other. Over time, the brain uses only the “strong” eye for vision, and ignores the “weak” eye, making it “lazier” even more. Vision deteriorates further, the eye loses its ability to coordinate and control and moves aimlessly. In rare cases, “lazy eye” syndrome can develop in both eyes.
Lazy eye is the leading cause of vision impairment in children worldwide. Statistics show that 5% of newborns and young children develop amblyopia. Without treatment, lazy eye syndrome significantly reduces vision and in rare cases leads to blindness. Therefore, its early diagnosis and treatment is necessary.
What causes amblyopia?
All those conditions that interfere with the normal development of a child's vision can cause amblyopia. The most common factors in the occurrence of lazy eye are strabismus and refractive disorders, which account for 90% of all cases.
In strabismus, the eyes move uncoordinated, while in refractive disorders caused by myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, vision in one eye is better than in the other.
In rare cases, other conditions such as cataracts, congenital eyelid ptosis, etc. may be the cause of lazy eye.
What are the symptoms of lazy eye?
The symptoms of amblyopia are:
- Impaired eye movement coordination;
- Frequent closing of one eye;
- Frequent tilting of the head to one side;
- A drooping eyelid;
- Reduced depth perception.
If eye coordination is not impaired, it is often difficult for parents to recognize the symptoms, which is why it is important to screen children's eyes between the ages of 3-5, especially if there is a family history of cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
How is lazy eye diagnosed?
The National Center of Ophthalmology at New Hospitals has a 132-year history of treating eye diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in the field of pediatric ophthalmology is available both in newborns and older children.
Amblyopia is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. Depending on the age of the child, the doctor uses various methods to check the child's vision, the anatomical condition of the eye and the coordination of eye movements. The ophthalmologist also conducts various tests to rule out eye diseases and determine the cause of the lazy eye.
Amblyopia treatment
Treatment for lazy eye is the more effective the earlier it is started. The chances of cure are very high in patients whose treatment is started before the age of 7 years. As for older children, according to statistics, half of patients aged 7-17 years are curable.
The methods of treatment depend on the reasons that caused the lazy eye. Depending on the different vision problems, the doctor may prescribe:
Glasses or contact lenses - the most common treatment for lazy eye is optical glasses and lenses that correct vision.
Eye patch - to activate the “weak” eye, sometimes the doctor will prescribe a patch to cover the eye in which the child can see better. The child must wear the patch for 2-6 hours daily.
Eye drops - in this case, therapeutic eye drops are also used in the eye that the child can see better with. The drops temporarily blur the vision and activate the lazy eye.
Surgery - surgery is indicated when other treatments have failed to help the patient. Surgery is most often indicated for cataracts or other structural eye diseases.
Treatment of lazy eye can be a serious problem for both children and parents. Experts advise parents to explain treatment goals to their children, encourage them through the treatment process, and work with them to correct the vision problem.
What are the risk factors for developing lazy eye?
Lazy eye syndrome is often a genetic condition, so a major risk factor for its development is a family history of eye and vision problems.
Other risk factors for developing amblyopia may include:
- Developmental delay;
- Low birth weight;
- Premature birth.
