Caregivers should remain vigilant regarding the physical and psychological health of their children. If caregivers/parents notice excessive squinting, they should consider visiting an Eye Specialist in Islamabad. The symptoms may indicate a vision-related problem. The specialist will help conduct tests to examine the functioning of the eye. Additionally, the specialist will guide the caregivers regarding the treatment options. It would allow the child to have a clearer vision and reduce the chances of further complications.
Amblyopia And Its Symptoms
Amblyopia is commonly known as lazy eye. Children below age are more likely to suffer from the condition. The affected eye cannot focus as clearly as the other eye. Therefore, the child suffers from decreased vision and may require surgery. The common signs and symptoms that caregivers can notice in the child suffering from amblyopia are:
- The depth perception of the child is poor.
- The eyeball of the affected eye is either inwards or outwards, and the caregivers can notice the difference.
- The child suffers from blurry or double vision.
- The caregivers can notice excessive squinting or closing of one eye while focusing on the objects.
Known Cause of Amblyopia
The known causes of amblyopia are:
- The misalignment in the eyes is caused by the imbalance of eye muscle, as it is responsible for positioning.
- Due to high refracted error, the chances of the condition increase.
- Children may be born with the condition. Therefore, prevention of the occurrence of the condition is impossible. However, surgical procedures and medications are proven beneficial in treating amblyopia.
Preventive Measures
In some cases, the occurrence of the condition is due to birth-defects and is impossible to prevent. However, the caregivers should consult the specialist as earlier detection can help avoid complications. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate glasses helps manage the symptoms.
Other Conditions Correlated With Amblyopia
The complications of amblyopia include:
- If the condition is not treated on time, the child may never develop the central vision.
- It can cause squinting of the affected eye.
- In severe cases, the child may lose their vision permanently.
Tests To Diagnose Amblyopia
The tests that help in diagnosing amblyopia are:
- Eye Examination: The specialist conducts a thorough eye examination to determine the functioning and severity of the condition. Additionally, the specialist will check if the eye has a squint that correlates with the symptoms of amblyopia.
- Visual Activity Exam: Special amblyopia chart for children below five help assess the functioning of the eyes. It consists of diagrams and numbers that the child is more likely familiar with, and the response help evaluate if they have impaired vision.
- Stereopsis Test: The test helps assess how well the 3-D vision is of the child.
- Measurement of the misalignment of the eye: The test measures the misalignment of the affected eye.
Effective Treatment Options
The treatment option proven beneficial are:
- Use of Anticholinergics: The anticholinergics in the form of drops are prescribed for mild cases. The drops are used in the fully functional eye to blur the vision. It encourages the child to use the affected eye.
- Cataract Surgery: The surgery helps correct the vision caused due to the media in the eye.
- Optical Penetrating Keratoplasty: In severe cases, a surgical procedure is advised, known as OPK. During the procedure, the part of the cornea is replaced with the corneal tissue provided by the donor.
The caregivers should consult the Best Eye Specialist in Lahore for guidance regarding the treatment plans that would allow smooth recovery and proper functioning of the eye. It is essential to seek expert opinion to help the child get better and function adequately in every aspect of life.