ตาขี้เกียจ (Amblyopia or Lazy eye)

A condition where the vision in one eye is worse than the other. The eye with poorer vision is called a “lazy eye” because that eye has not developed properly compared to the other eye. If lazy eye is correctly diagnosed and treatment is started promptly at the appropriate time, it can be completely cured with a very low chance of recurrence. The critical period is before the age of 9 years. Therefore, lazy eye needs to be examined and treated as soon as possible.
<h2 style="color: #008080;">What causes lazy eye?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Strabismus (crossed or wandering eye)</li>
<li>Refractive errors</li>
<li>Other diseases that obstruct vision, such as ptosis, cataracts, glaucoma</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color: #008080;">Symptoms and indicators that a child may have “lazy eye”</h2>
<ul>
<li>Children with strabismus are at risk of developing lazy eye, especially those with consistent one-sided strabismus</li>
<li>Children with refractive errors often squint, like to walk close to the TV, or tilt their head when watching TV. These symptoms indicate visual abnormalities and require a detailed examination to determine if lazy eye is also present</li>
</ul>
Additionally, lazy eye may be found together with other diseases such as ptosis, cataracts, and glaucoma. Children usually present with symptoms of those diseases. It is important to note that children with visual abnormalities in only one eye often show no warning signs to their caregivers. Therefore, what can help is initial screening, which should be done for all children over 3 years old.
<h2 style="color: #008080;">Treatment approach for lazy eye</h2>
<ul>
<li>Treating the underlying cause, such as eye muscle surgery for children with strabismus, cataract surgery for children with cataracts, and prescribing glasses for children with refractive errors</li>
<li>Stimulating the lazy eye to function again, such as patching the good eye to force the brain to use the lazy eye. The number of hours and duration of patching depend on the severity of the lazy eye and the individual’s response. The key factor is cooperation in patching</li>
</ul>
Treatment continues until the lazy eye develops to a level of vision equal to the good eye, along with the use of both eyes together, seeing a single combined image, and the ability to perceive three dimensions. Parents must be committed to patching, encourage the child, and reward them to motivate compliance. For school-aged children who need to patch at school, teachers should be informed and asked to support the child. It is also important to educate classmates to prevent teasing.
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If the child refuses to patch, eye drops may be used in the good eye to temporarily blur its vision. This method is only applicable in some cases and may not be as effective as patching.
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Lazy eye must be diagnosed and treated quickly because the responsive period to treatment is relatively short. It is an eye condition that can be completely cured, but treatment requires excellent cooperation from both parents and the child. If treatment is successful, obstacles in learning, working, and daily life will decrease, improving the child’s quality of life.
&nbsp;
Dr. Warakorn Thiamthat
Ophthalmologist, Eye Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital

Lazy eye, or the condition where one eye does not develop equally compared to the other, which can lead to severe consequences such as blindness in the future. However, the advantage is that if detected early, lazy eye can be completely treated.

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Lazy eye (Amblyopia)

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