Amblyopia

Amblyopia treatment is offered by Ophthalmic Partners for patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding communities.

WHAT IS AMBLYOPIA?

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye,” is a condition that affects children. Amblyopia can begin at any time between birth and seven years of age. The condition results in only one eye being used for vision. Most children with the condition do not realize that they are only using one eye.

WHAT CAUSES AMBLYOPIA?

Amblyopia begins when a child has a stronger vision in one eye. Over time, the brain uses only the strong eye, and the weaker eye degrades further. Certain underlying conditions cause amblyopia, including strabismus, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and cataracts.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR AMBLYOPIA?

Typically, children with a family medical history of amblyopia. Children who are born prematurely or with a low birth weight are also at risk for amblyopia.

HOW CAN AMBLYOPIA BE PREVENTED?

Because amblyopia is a largely genetic condition, the condition is not preventable.

HOW IS AMBLYOPIA DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of amblyopia begins with your child’s routine eye exams. If the exam indicates that your child has vision problems, your eye doctor will conduct other tests to determine the cause of your child’s poor vision. The goal of the tests is to rule out other causes before developing a diagnosis of amblyopia.

HOW IS AMBLYOPIA TREATED?

The treatment for amblyopia requires your child to strengthen the weak eye by using it more. To accomplish this, your eye doctor may recommend an eye patch to block the stronger eye. Other methods used for strengthening the weaker eye include eye drops or eyeglasses that intentionally blur the vision of the stronger eye.

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Early detection of eye disease is the best defense against vision loss, particularly for individuals over the age of 40. Should you experience any vision problems that could be an indicator of an eye disorder, contact one of our offices in Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Media, PA, or Marlton, NJ, as soon as possible to book an assessment.

The eye doctors and surgeons at Ophthalmic Partners have the necessary expertise and experience to diagnose, manage, and treat complex eye disorders and diseases. Visit us today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.