Amblyopia (Lazy eye)

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition which develops during infancy or early childhood affecting a child’s vision in one eye. In rare cases, it may also affect both eyes. If left untreated, amblyopia can permanently impair vision in the affected eye as the brain gradually starts ‘ignoring’ any image from the affected eye, as it matures. This is the reason why early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is important to ensure higher chances of recovery. 

No obvious or visible abnormality can be seen in the affected eye of a child suffering from amblyopia. Common causes of this disorder include:

• ​​Misalignment of the eyes due to imbalance in the muscles responsible for eye positioning.
  

• Significant differences in vision between the two eyes, with one eye being out of focus because it is more near sighted or farsighted than the other.

Children who have a family history of amblyopia or are born prematurely or with low birth weight are at a higher risk for developing amblyopia​.

When to seek expert advise

Since it can be hard to identify symptoms of amblyopia, it is necessary to have your child examined by an eye specialist working with the Eye and ENT Service Line of The Aga Khan University Hospital if you suspect the presence of the symptoms mentioned above. If you feel there are problems with vision in your infant or toddler, consult your child’s paediatrician, who may refer you to an eye specialist if need be, especially if there is a family history of this condition.

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