CAUSES AND TREATMENT OF AMBLYOPIA
There are three main causes of amblyopia:
1. strabismus, where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object
2. refractive error, where one eye is weaker than the other
3. deprivation, where light is not entering the eye and vision is not developing (e.g. congenital cataracts)
Treatment of amblyopia will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and may include patching, glasses or surgery. Treatment involves forcing the brain to pay attention to the images of the weaker eye so that vision in that eye gets stronger.
Early detection and treatment is vital to prevent permanent vision problems. An eye examination with an optometrist is the best way to check for amblyopia.