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Lazy eye
OVERVIEW: Amblyopia, also called lazy eye, is a reduction in visual acuity in one eye that cannot be corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses, in the absence of other disease.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Decreased visual acuity in one eye
CAUSES: Multiple causes
SCOPE: Amblyopia affects about 2.5% of the U.S. population.
MOST OFTEN AFFECTED: Amblyopia may be present from birth or may be detected at any age. Males and females are affected in equal proportions. There is an increased incidence in children with one parent who has a history of amblyopia.
RISK FACTORS: None known
DIAGNOSIS PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: • A thorough eye examination should be performed.
• Other causes of visual acuity loss in one eye should be considered.
TESTS AND PROCEDURES: Examination by an ophthalmologist may include slit lamp and fundoscopic examination of eye
structures.
TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES: • All children should have complete visual examinations prior to starting school.
• Children from families with a history of amblyopia or strabismus should have special examinations by an ophthalmologist.
• Correction of the underlying disorder should be instituted at the earliest opportunity.
• Glasses and/or patching of the stronger eye to encourage visual development may be helpful.
• Amblyopia never corrects itself spontaneously and always requires treatment.
• Children do not outgrow amblyopia.
• Surgical correction of an abnormal eye position may be required.
ACTIVITY: No restrictions
DIET: No special diet
MEDICATIONS COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS: N/A
CONTRAINDICATIONS: N/A
PRECAUTIONS: N/A
DRUG INTERACTIONS: N/A
Other Drugs: N/A
FOLLOW UP PATIENT MONITORING: The Physician should be seen as often as needed until the problem is resolved.
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE: None
COMPLICATIONS: N/A
WHAT TO EXPECT: • In most cases, amblyopia is a treatable condition if the diagnosis is made early.
• Patching therapy, eyeglasses, and surgical correction of abnormal eye positions can result in nearly normal vision when performed early.
• Visual development occurs during the first several years of life; amblyopia therapy can be effective until approximately age 12.
MISCELLANEOUS OTHER FACTORS: N/A
PEDIATRIC: Commonly seen in young children
GERIATRIC: When seen among the elderly population, the diagnosis has usually been made early in childhood.
OTHERS: N/A
PREGNANCY: N/A
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