Causes and risk factors
Congenital cataract is a common cause of deprivation amblyopia. Opacities of the cornea or vitreous and ptosis (drooping of eyelids) are other known causes.
Most cases of amblyopia occur in the first few years of life, before the age of six.
Clinical presentation
The visual acuity of the child is reduced to a variable extent. The perception of depth is hampered, and hence, three-dimensional vision is difficult. Their spatial acuity (ability to detect shapes) and contrast sensitivity (detection of contrast between an object and its background) is poor. Their vision is less sensitive to motion and they frequently experience crowding phenomenon. Their stereoscopic ability (3 dimensional vision) is impaired and they are unable to carry out binocular summation (combining the information received from both the eyes).
Investigations
The underlying cataract or corneal opacity of the eye can be detected by an ophthalmoscopic examination.
Treatment
Deprivation amblyopia is extremely difficult to treat. The underlying cause of amblyopia needs to be treated. Surgery is usually recommended for congenital cataract. Patching of the good eye helps to improve the vision in the other eye. A procedure known as Penalisation is also recommended, wherein atropine drops are put in the good eye in order to blur its vision. This helps to develop the visual acuity of the other eye.
Complications
Deprivation amblyopia can result in loss of visual acuity, up to the extent of blindness.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor if you suspect that you kid is having any visual trouble.
Systems involved
Ophthalmology
Organs involved
Eyes
