Dr. Evelyn del Busto | Head of the Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic at the Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Eye and Ear Hospital

Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is a decrease in visual acuity that can be reversible if treated at an early age. This can occur because one or both eyes do not produce a clear image due to inadequate development during childhood. 

To diagnose amblyopia, ophthalmologists perform a comprehensive vision examination to determine if there are differences between the two eyes or any factors that impair vision in both. There are multiple causes: strabismus (crossed eyes), refractive errors (astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia), opacities in the eye structures (drooping eyelids, cataracts, corneal opacities, eye occlusion, etc.), unequal image clarity between the two eyes, and damage to the visual pathway (between the retina and the striate cortex of the brain).

If these causes are not identified and treated in childhood, this can prevent normal visual development as a result of neuronal loss, due to an impairment during the stage of brain neuronal maturation.

Treatment should begin at an early age (ideally before 7-9 years old) to ensure a favorable prognosis, as these vision changes can be permanent if left untreated. Sometimes, the first stage of treatment requires surgery to correct specific eye problems that cause amblyopia, as well as corrective lenses. The second stage involves training the child to use the weaker eye, and it generally takes several months to strengthen vision, often with eye patches, medication, or other methods.

Parents should explain the importance of the treatment to their child and reassure them that it is temporary. Children can practice using their toys and by coloring the patches. It is also important to explain the treatment to their teachers and encourage them with positive feedback.

Amblyopia often goes unnoticed because children don't usually complain or show symptoms. It should also be suspected if a child squints, trips and falls easily, blinks frequently, has low light tolerance, turns their head to focus on objects, has a misaligned eye, exhibits abnormal eye movements, or if one of their parents has a history of eye disease.

Therefore, it is extremely important to have a routine evaluation with an ophthalmologist at least once a year to rule out any compromise in your vision.

The Campaign for the Prevention of Amblyopia is held every October 15 in multiple Latin American countries —with the endorsement of the Latin American Council of Strabismus (CLADE)— and in other regions of the world since 1999.

At the Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic of the Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Eye and Ear Hospital, a complete evaluation is offered to children from 0 to 14 years of age, in order to detect visual conditions from an early age.
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