AMBLYOPIA OR 'LAZY EYE'
An eye may not develop optimally in early childhood. Poor vision in one or both eyes is the result of this. The defect amblyopia can only be successfully treated during childhood. Therefore, it is crucial that a lazy eye is detected as early as possible.
A big difference between the eyes or a large deviation in the focus of both eyes is the cause of a lazy eye; if the eyes have to make "too" much of an effort to get into focus, a child sometimes starts to squint, which is referred to as strabismus. The proper development of vision can only be affected in children under the age of 8, which is why it is crucial to detect and treat a lazy eye early.
Children from 1 to 2 years of age are typically examined at the Child and Family Clinic to detect risk factors for this disorder. At a later age, this is done again at the Child and Family Clinic. A child often does not realise that he/she has impaired vision in one eye. Sometimes a lazy eye is accompanied by an eye that squints, causing those around to notice the abnormality. This usually is not the case, which makes screening examinations vital. If an abnormality is suspected, eye drops and glasses are prescribed.
The ophthalmologist will start treatment after the abnormality is identified. Usually, the doctor starts with glasses correction, which can sometimes be sufficient to correct the lazy eye. If this proves insufficient, occlusion is recommended. This is when the 'good eye' is covered with a patch for part of the day, forcing the child to see with the lazy eye. If the eye squints, improving visual acuity is given top priority. Surgery may also be considered, which corrects the squint.
