Causes and risk factors
Lazy eye is caused due to variety of causes. Congenital disorders of the eyes like congenital cataract leads to ambylopia. Strabismus is another causative factor. An individual suffering from strabismus has poorly aligned eyes as a result the brain reject the signals of vision causing ambylopia. Farsightedness and nearsightedness are other common contributing factor for lazy eye. In some cases it is seen inherited from the family. Premature babies and babies with low birth weight are more prone for ambylopia.
Clinical presentation:
Poor vision or blurred vision is the only symptom seen in lazy eye i.e. affecting one eye. Often leading to a pattern where the normal eye works over time to send vision signals to brain thus loss of vision in the affected eye. Straining of eyes occur which can lead to headache.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination and various tests are carried out by the ophthalmologist. Usually no investigations are required for ambylopia.
Treatment:
Usually no medications are required in ambylopia. Early treatment should be started. Correction of vision by using glasses is done. Use of eye patches/opaque glasses for normal eye has found to be effective. Surgical intervention to correct the poorly aligned eyes can be recommended. Certain eyes exercises to strengthen the eye muscles are advised.
