Strabismus and amblyopia
Strabismus and amblyopia are two often-linked but distinct visual disorders.
📌 The earlier these disorders are detected, the better the chances of recovery (ideally before the age of 6-8). Delayed treatment can limit improvement.
Strabismus
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, where one eye looks straight ahead while the other deviates (inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards). It can be constant or intermittent, affecting one or both eyes. There are several types of strabismus:
- Esotropia (eye turned inward)
- Exotropia (outward-looking eye)
- Hypertropia / Hypotropia (eye turned up / down)
Possible causes
- Imbalance of eye muscles
- Hereditary factors
- Neurological problems
- Uncorrected hyperopia
Treatments for strabismus
- Glasses or contacts
- Orthoptic rehabilitation
- Eye muscle surgery (in certain cases)
Amblyopia
Amblyopia (or “lazy eye”) is reduced vision in one eye, because the brain favors the other, preventing the normal development of vision in that eye. It often occurs as a result of strabismus or an uncorrected optical problem.
Possible causes
- Strabismus (the deviated eye is “ignored” by the brain)
- Anisometropia (significant difference in correction between the two eyes)
- Congenital cataract or ptosis (drooping eyelid)
Treatments for amblyopia
- Wearing glasses to correct a visual defect
- Patching (occlusion of the dominant eye to stimulate the weak eye)
- Visual rehabilitation exercises