Do you suspect your child may have amblyopia (lazy eye)? This condition is one of the most common vision problems in childhood. It occurs when one eye has weaker visual development due to a problem in the nerve connection between the eye and the brain. As a result, the child’s vision in one eye becomes reduced, and the weaker eye may drift inward or outward.
Amblyopia typically develops from birth up to about seven years of age and is considered one of the leading causes of childhood vision loss. It rarely affects both eyes. Below are seven habits that may contribute to amblyopia in children, according to Health.
1. Genetic Strabismus
Children with strabismus (misaligned eyes) are more likely to develop amblyopia. Strabismus occurs when the eye muscles are imbalanced, causing the eyes to point in different directions when relaxed. As a result, the child struggles to focus on a single point.
Strabismus may also be caused by other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, measles, or eye cancer. A child may also inherit strabismus from family members. When the eyes are misaligned, the brain may rely more on the stronger eye, leading to amblyopia.
2. Reading or Watching Too Close
Children often read at very close distances. The ideal reading distance is 25–30 cm, which allows the eyes to focus comfortably. Reading too close forces the eyes to work harder, causing strain, fatigue, and potentially contributing to lazy eye.
3. Excessive Exposure to UV Rays
4. Eye Injuries
Several internal factors may damage the cornea, including infections, degenerative disorders, congenital abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, or complications from cataract removal surgery. Such injuries can interfere with normal vision and increase the risk of amblyopia.
5. Premature Birth and Developmental Issues
A child grows continuously from the womb until birth. Problems during pregnancy may affect fetal development. Premature babies often have underdeveloped organs—including the eyes—which makes them more vulnerable to eye disorders, including amblyopia.
Symptoms of Amblyopia in Children
Children with poor vision often do not notice symptoms themselves. Parents should watch for signs such as:
One eye turning inward or outward
Difficulty judging distances
Frequently closing or squinting one eye
Tilting the head to see better
Poor vision test results
Treatment of Amblyopia in Children
If you notice any of the symptoms above, your child should be examined by an eye specialist immediately. Early detection significantly improves the chance of recovery. Treatment becomes less effective after age six.
Treatment focuses on correcting the cause and training the weaker eye. Common methods include:
1. Prescription Glasses
Glasses can correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, helping the lazy eye function better.
2. Eye Patch
A patch is placed over the stronger eye for 2–6 hours a day to encourage the child to use the weaker eye. Sometimes this is combined with glasses.
3. Special Eye Drops
Complications of Untreated Amblyopia
If left untreated, amblyopia can cause disturbances in eye muscle coordination, potentially requiring surgery. It can also lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
To prevent amblyopia, take your child for routine eye exams at:
6 months
3 years
School age
Regular eye examinations help ensure healthy visual development and early detection of problems. If a doctor suspects amblyopia during an exam, treatment can begin immediately.
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