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Amblyopia
One of the most common eye disorders in children
is amblyopia, sometimes known as "lazy eye." Amblyopia
occurs in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early
childhood. This fairly common condition is best corrected during
infancy or early childhood. The visual system is fully developed
after a child reaches nine years, and therefore, usually cannot
be changed after that age.
The main causes of amblyopia are strabismus, refractive
error and abnormal cloudiness.
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes - crossed
eyes - and is the most common cause of amblyopia. The crossed eye
"turns off," and only the stronger eye is used.
A refractive error - incorrect focus in one eye
- causes amblyopia because the unfocused eye turns off. this type
of amblyopia is very difficult to detect, since the eyes appear
normal even though one has very poor vision.
Cataracts and other eye diseases causing abnormal
cloudiness can lead to amblyopia, because the clouded weaker eye
will not be used, and the child will depend on the stronger eye.
Anything which prevents a clear image being formed in one eye is
a potential cause of amblyopia.
Amblyopia is treated by making the child use the
weaker eye. This can usually be done by covering the strong eye
with a patch, sometimes for long Periods of time. It is possible
that after vision has been restored to the weaker eye, occasional
patching may still be necessary, to maintain the improvement. The
weaker eye must be strengthened to restore normal vision: amblyopia
cannot be cured by treating the cause alone. The role of the parent
is vital to ensure that the treatment is effective.
Additional sites pertaining to Pediatric Eye Disorders:
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