Amblyopia is commonly known as lazy eye. Amblyopia means poor vision in an eye that could not develop normal sight during childhood. This can happen in both the eyes as well.

A person with Amblyopia has number of functional vision issues such as poor depth perception and poor eye tracking. This is due to the brain suppresses one of these images and this negatively impacts a person’s binocular vision.

Can it be treated At All?

Amblyopia can be treated because the brain has “plasticity.”  The circuitry of the brain can actually change at any age.  There is still a general belief that amblyopia can be treated only up to certain age which is about 8 years old. This belief persists despite many recent scientific studies and decades of clinical reports on treatments that yield significant visual improvement and best outcomes in older children and even adult amblyopes.

We use vision therapy to retrain the visual system.  This includes not only the eyes, but also the brain and the visual pathways.

Treatment for amblyopia includes:

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses;

• Forcing the weaker eye to work by blurring the better eye vision with special lenses, an eye patch or eye drops;

• A program of vision therapy to help equalize vision in both eyes, improve eye coordination, and restore clear single vision

Without a doubt, vision therapy is most effective when it’s administered at an early age. 

Treating Amblyopia in Adults

The good news for adults with amblyopia is that there is a possibility for improved vision.  But there are no guarantees as the plasticity of the visual system decreases with age.  Every case is different, and every patient must be thoroughly evaluated through a comprehensive eye test.  

However, we strongly encourage you to visit a Developmental Optometrist or Vision Therapist and see if treatment is possible for you.  If you live in India, contact Kanohi Vision Therapy Centre.

Advantages of vision therapy in the treatment of Amblyopia

• Works on both eyes, so develops binocular vision and 3D or stereo vision

• Shorter treatment time span or quicker rehabilitation

• Longer retention or no regression

• Better compliance and acceptance