Causes and risk factors
This form of amblyopia is caused as a result of strabismus in one or both the eyes. Strabismus is a misalignment of eyes: upwards, downwards, inwards or outwards.
Clinical presentation
The vision in the strabismic eye is reduced considerably. Adults with strabismic amblyopia may experience diplopia (double vision). Children with strabismic amblyopia have a reduced reading speed and their eyes move abnormally while reading.
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
Strabismus can be detected on the basis of an eye exam.
Treatment
The strabismus itself may be treated surgically. Patching of the good eye helps to improve the vision in the affected 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
Strabismic amblyopia can result in loss of visual acuity up to the extent of blindness.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor as soon as you notice an inward, outward, upward, or downward deviation in either of the eyes.
Systems involved
Ophthalmology
Organs involved
Eyes
