Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) in India: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) in India: 

Introduction

The lazy eye, known as the therapeutic ambalopia, is a vision growth disorder when an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with a prescription glasses or contact lenses. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss in children and, if left untreated, can remain in adulthood. In India, awareness and early diagnosis play an important role in preventing permanent vision loss due to lazy eye.

Causes of Lazy Eye

Lazy eye develops when there is disruption in normal visual development. Some primary reasons include:

1. Straibismus (passed eyes): A misconception of the eye where one eye turns in, out, or down, leads the brain to ignore the signs with the wrong eye.
2. Refractive errors: Due to significant difference in sight between two eyes, adjacentness, foresight, or vision.
3. Cataract: A cloud lens in an eye can block clear vision and carry embolia.
4. Ptosis (Dropped eyelid): A droping eyelid can obstruct sight and reduce visual development in an eye.
5. Lack of initial vision stimulation: If an eye is not used properly during childhood, it may fail to develop a normal vision.

Symptoms of Lazy Eye

• Perception of poor depth (difficulty identifying distance)
• squinting or closing an eye
• Constant eye stress or headache
• Eyes that look wrong
• An eye blurred or low vision

Diagnosis of Lazy Eye in India

Early detection is key to treating lazy eye effectively. Diagnosis includes:

• Extensive eye exam for infants and young children
• Visual acuity tested to measure eyesight
• Eye alignment test to check strabismus
• Refraction test to detect refractory errors

Treatment Options for Lazy Eye

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Common treatment options available in India include:

1. Corrective eyewear:

To address refractory errors and balance vision between both prescription glasses or contact lenses.

2. Eye patching therapy: The strong eye is covered with an eye patch for a few hours to encourage the weak eye to do better.
3. Atropin eye drop: Used as an alternative to patching, it leaves a strong eye sight to stimulate the weak eye.
4. Vision Therapy and Eye Practice: Supervised activities such as puzzles, reading and digital practice to improve eye coordination.
5. Surgery (for severe cases): Recommended in cases of strabismus or cataract to correct alignment or remove obstructions.

Preventing Lazy Eye in Children

• Regular eye check-up for initial detection.
• Ensure proper lighting and eye care from infancy.
• Encourage visual stimulation activities such as reading and playing with objects at different distances.
• If a vision problem arises, seek quick treatment.

Conclusion

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) is a treatable condition if diagnosed early. With advancements in eye care facilities and affordable treatment options available in India, patients can achieve significant vision improvement. Parents should prioritize routine eye exams for children to detect and correct vision problems at an early stage.