What Is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?
When a clear image is perceived from both eyes without a shift, normal vision development is attained in childhood. Lazy eye or decreased vision can develop in the deviated eye when development is adversely impacted, such as when there is misalignment or a high-number refractive error in one eye.
In this case, the image seen by the eye is seen by the brain as blurred in high-number disorders and as double vision in strabismus. The negative side of the brain's visual centre is suppressed, allowing life to continue. Therefore, it serves as a defence mechanism. In cases where there is no strabismus and the need for different, taller glasses is frequently noted by the family, the diagnosis of amblyopia may be delayed. Because when both eyes are open, he can see the blackboard at school and complete his assignments without being affected by anything. Lazy eye develops in 50% of children with strabismus. Early diagnosis, or within the first 8–9 years of life, allows for treatment and the ability to improve vision by closing the eye with good vision.
The success of treatment is, however, very low after the age of 9, when the period for vision development is complete, so the earlier it is diagnosed, the higher the success of treatment will be. But don't we treat people who are discovered at 8 or 9 years old? Obviously not! In some circumstances, we may see encouraging results up to 12–13 or even 15 years old. The importance of acting in accordance with the patient, family, and doctor is something we want to emphasise once more here. Amblyopia is not a progressive condition, meaning that vision is not lost entirely.
Only one eye is frequently affected by amblyopia, which affects 4 out of 100 people. Up until the age of three, every child should have an eye exam for the diagnosis and early management of lazy eye. Contrary to the widely held belief that newborn babies cannot see, infants can see during the newborn period, though not at an adult-level of vision; this occurs only at 1.5–2 years of age. Because development is accomplished through the use of the eyes, the visual system in childhood is adaptable and shaped by how the eyes are used. However, strabismus, the need for glasses in both eyes to varying degrees, or a barrier like a cataract or droopy eyelid that prevents the formation of the image in one eye lead to laziness. In other words, even though he is capable of seeing, his visual system cannot mature normally. When the child is a baby and unable to speak, the need for glasses and strabismus can be identified. In addition to lazy eye, other eye conditions that may result in poor vision, such as cataracts, inflammation, tumours, or other conditions, may also be found.
The well-sighted eye is closed to force the use of the low vision eye in the treatment of lazy eye after the accompanying diseases, such as strabismus, the need for glasses, or cataract, are treated. Closure is the most effective treatment, but eye drops or unique operating systems can be used if the child is very resistant. Amblyopia does not progress if it is not treated, but it is impossible to treat it after the developmental stage because it interferes with the ability to use both eyes simultaneously and perceive depth, which makes it difficult to choose careers like police officer and pilot.
• Normal eye use during the early stages of life results in equal and good vision in both eyes. If the first nine years of life are not spent achieving this normal development, laziness sets in.
• Eye control in the first three years is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia because it rarely causes complaints. Around the age of one year old is the ideal time for the first examination.
• Strabismus, refractive errors, and cataracts are the three most significant diseases that cause lazy eye.
• The foundation of the treatment is early diagnosis, follow-up follow-ups, and closure treatment, which the family will comprehend by realising the significance of the circumstance.