Amblyopia therapy

Amblyopia develops if there is abnormal or decreased visual stimulation in early childhood. It can be caused by squint, unequal or large refractive errors, or from conditions that disrupt visual input into the eye such as congenital cataract and ptosis (droopy eye lid).

Amblyopia is usually treated with occlusion. Occlusion involves placing a patch (or another opaque devise) over the eye with the good vision – this makes the amblyopic (or lazy) eye work harder, and in the longer term improves vision. The orthoptist will advise you on the length of time and the time of day when your child needs to wear the patch. Before a diagnosis of amblyopia can be made the child must have an examination of the eye and refraction. If glasses have been prescribed for your child these to must be worn in conjunction with the occlusion.

In situations where occlusion therapy is not tolerated by the child or where there is little or no improvement the orthoptist can discuss other treatment options.

When a child is being treated for amblyopia it is important that they attend clinic regularly (the orthoptist will advise how often your child needs to be seen) to ensure that the amblyopia therapy is effective and is not affecting the vision in the ‘good eye’.