Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a condition where there is reduced vision in one or both eyes due to abnormal visual development during childhood. It occurs when the brain fails to process visual signals properly from the affected eye, leading to decreased vision even with corrective glasses or lenses. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent visual impairment.
Types of Amblyopia
- Strabismic
Amblyopia – Due to misalignment of the eyes (squint).
- Refractive
Amblyopia – Caused by uncorrected refractive errors (myopia, hypermetropia,
astigmatism).
- Deprivation
Amblyopia – Due to obstruction of vision (e.g., cataract, ptosis).
- Anisometropic
Amblyopia – Caused by a significant difference in prescription between the
two eyes.
- Meridional
Amblyopia – Due to uncorrected astigmatism affecting certain meridians of
vision.
Causes
- Congenital
or developmental factors
- Strabismus
(crossed eyes)
- High
refractive error in one or both eyes
- Cataract
or corneal opacity
- Prematurity
and low birth weight
Clinical Features
- Reduced
visual acuity in one eye
- Poor depth
perception (stereopsis)
- Difficulty
in focusing on objects
- Eye strain
and headaches
Signs & Symptoms
- Squint or
misalignment of the eyes
- Blurred or
double vision
- Closing one
eye to see better
- Difficulty
in reading or recognizing objects
- No
significant external eye abnormalities
Investigations
- Visual
Acuity Test (Snellen chart)
- Cycloplegic
Refraction (for refractive errors)
- Cover Test
(to detect strabismus)
- Fundoscopy
(to rule out organic causes)
Treatment
- Corrective
Glasses or Contact Lenses – To treat refractive
errors
- Occlusion
Therapy (Patching) – Covering the stronger eye
to stimulate the weaker eye
- Vision
Therapy Exercises – To improve eye
coordination
- Surgical
Correction – In cases of cataracts, ptosis, or strabismus
- Homeopathic
Treatment – For improving vision and associated complaints
Homeopathic Remedies for
Amblyopia
- Physostigma – Blurred
vision with weakness of the ciliary muscles, spasms in accommodation, and
difficulty reading.
- Gelsemium –
Drooping eyelids, poor coordination of eye muscles, blurred vision due to
nervous weakness.
- Ruta
Graveolens – Eye strain, weak vision from overuse, better in dim light, and
headaches from eye fatigue.
- Natrum
Muriaticum – Vision dimness, difficulty reading, and headaches aggravated by
bright light.
- Agaricus
Muscarius – Twitching of eye muscles, floating black spots in vision, and
sensitivity to bright light.
Mnemonic for Amblyopia Types:
"SARD-M"
- S –
Strabismic
- A –
Anisometropic
- R –
Refractive
- D –
Deprivation
- M –
Meridional
Tags
SURGERY