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Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
When people think about vision problems, they often picture difficulty reading or recognizing distant objects. However, vision is much more than just clarity. Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition that impacts many children and requires specialized care to ensure proper visual development. At Brecheen Learning & Vision Center, we proudly serve families in Lewisville, Dallas, and Fort Worth, offering expert amblyopia treatment.
What is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is one of the most common causes of vision impairment in children. This condition occurs when the brain and eyes do not work together properly, leading to underdeveloped vision in one or both eyes. Without proper stimulation, the neural pathways between the brain and the affected eye fail to mature, resulting in decreased visual acuity.
There are different types of amblyopia:
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Deprivation Amblyopia: This type occurs in conjunction with other eye conditions such as cataracts, potentially affecting both eyes.
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Refractive Amblyopia: This develops when there is a significant difference in refractive errors (such as nearsightedness or farsightedness) between the two eyes. When one eye has much poorer vision than the other, the brain favors the stronger eye, impairing vision development in the weaker one.
How is Lazy Eye Treated?
Early intervention is crucial for successful amblyopia treatment. Pediatric eye exams are recommended starting at six months of age to catch any early signs of vision issues. The earlier amblyopia is detected, the better the chances of improving vision.
Common Treatment Methods:
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Corrective Lenses: Glasses or contact lenses can help address refractive errors and improve vision in both eyes.
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Eye Patching: Covering the stronger eye with a patch encourages the weaker eye to work harder, promoting visual development.
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Atropine Eye Drops: These drops temporarily blur vision in the stronger eye, compelling the brain to rely on the weaker eye. Eye drops are often preferred for younger children who may resist wearing a patch.
One of the primary obstacles in amblyopia treatment is ensuring compliance, especially among young children. Eye patches can draw attention from peers, leading to discomfort or resistance from the child. In such cases, atropine drops are often a more discreet and effective option. It is vital to involve both parents and educators in supporting the child through treatment to prevent long-term vision loss.
Expert Amblyopia Treatment in Lewisville, Dallas, and Fort Worth
If your child exhibits signs of vision problems or has not yet undergone a pediatric eye exam, it’s essential to act promptly. Early detection and treatment of amblyopia can significantly improve long-term vision outcomes.
Ensure your child’s eyes are developing properly by scheduling an appointment at Brecheen Learning & Vision Center. Our experienced eye care team is dedicated to providing personalized treatment for amblyopia and other pediatric vision issues.
Call us at (972) 221-2564 to learn more or to book your child’s eye exam.