OPHTHALMIC EDUCATION (14) AMBLYOPIARA [Archives:2000/43/Health]
Mahfouth A Bamashmus FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ibn-Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sanaa
What is a Lazy eye (amblyopia)?
It happens when vision in one eye becomes less than the other without any obvious eye disease. It happens when one eye of the child is long-sighted or short-sighted more than the other. It also happens in certain cases of squints.
Why does the eye become lazy?
When one eye sends clear pictures to the brain compared to the other eye, the brain ignores the blurred image and the child stops using that eye involuntarily. This leads to a lazy eye leading to poor vision forever even if the eye appears healthy.
Is there any treatment for lazy eyes?
If the lazy eye is diagnosed early in childhood it can be treated. The earlier the diagnosis is made the better the eye responds to treatment and regains some of the vision lost. Treatment is very simple and comprises one of the following:
1.Patching the good eye so that the brain can use it again and analyze the pictures sent from it. This is the most effective way of treatment.
2.Using dilating drops or ointments.
3.Encouraging the child to wear his or her glasses.
The above treatment needs a plan and close follow-up by the treating eye doctor.
What leads to failure of treatment?
If diagnosis is made after the age of six or seven years there is no hope till now to regain any vision lost. Treatment of lazy eyes after the age of seven is unsuccessful.
Children will refuse to put the patch because some of them will see very little with the lazy eye. The parents should encourage their child with different methods especially during the first few weeks.
What happens if the lazy eye is also squinting?
Treating the lazy eye has to be the first step in managing these children. The squinting eye can be treated surgically at a later stage.
REMEMBER:
The patch or cover should be put while the child is awake.
The patch or cover shouldnt allow any light to go into the covered eye.
Avoid putting the patch on the glasses.
Try not to respond to the desires of your child to remove the cover but try to encourage them using all methods available.
If your doctor asked you to cover the good eye for a certain period of time, you shouldnt decrease or increase that period by yourself.
Lazy eye cannot be treated after the age of seven years and it is permanent. Visit your eye doctor for a routine check-up even your childs eye looks healthy.
Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important. It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.
Reference: PAACO educational leaflets, Cairo
——
[archive-e:43-v:2000-y:2000-d:2000-10-23-p:./2000/iss43/health.htm]
