Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition where the brain favors the stronger eye, suppressing visual input from the weaker one, leading to reduced vision in that eye. This article explores factors that can cause amblyopia to worsen.
Understanding How Amblyopia Develops
Amblyopia originates from abnormal visual development during early childhood, typically before age seven. This happens when nerve pathways connecting the eye to the brain do not form properly. The brain then favors signals from one eye and suppresses input from the other, leading to reduced vision in the affected eye.
Several underlying conditions can disrupt normal visual development. One common cause is strabismus, where the eyes are misaligned, causing them to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can lead to the brain ignoring the image from the turned eye to avoid double vision.
Another frequent cause involves significant uncorrected refractive errors, such as differences in nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism between the two eyes. When one eye sends a consistently blurry image, the brain disregards it. Less commonly, amblyopia can stem from deprivation, where an obstruction like a cataract or a droopy eyelid physically blocks light, hindering clear vision development.
Key Reasons Why Amblyopia Can Worsen
Even after initial treatment, several factors can contribute to amblyopia worsening. A primary reason relates to the underlying conditions that first caused it. If refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) change or are not adequately corrected with updated prescriptions, the brain may struggle to receive clear images. Similarly, if strabismus (eye misalignment) recurs or is not fully controlled, the brain might suppress visual input from the misaligned eye, exacerbating amblyopia.
New ocular issues developing in either eye can also impact visual acuity and make existing amblyopia seem more pronounced. Conditions like the development of cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the eye’s lens, or the onset of glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, can independently reduce vision. Retinal problems or other eye diseases can further compromise visual function, adding to amblyopia’s challenges and leading to vision decline.
While less common, certain neurological factors can also play a role. Conditions affecting brain visual pathways, such as cerebral visual impairment, might influence how the brain processes visual information. These issues can contribute to worsening amblyopia symptoms, though they are usually distinct from the original cause of the amblyopia itself.
Age and brain plasticity are also significant considerations. Amblyopia typically develops in early childhood when the visual system is most adaptable, but the brain retains some capacity for change even into adulthood. This plasticity diminishes with age, meaning visual improvements become harder to achieve, and maintaining existing gains requires consistent effort. If visual stimulation is not actively maintained, the visual system might slowly degrade, leading to a decline in the amblyopic eye’s function.
Lack of consistent management frequently contributes to worsening amblyopia. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional and strict adherence to prescribed treatments are important for maintaining visual gains. If patching, atropine drops, or vision therapy are discontinued prematurely or inconsistently, gains can diminish, and the amblyopic eye’s vision may regress. Ongoing care helps ensure changes in the eye or visual system are promptly addressed, preventing further deterioration.
Recognizing Signs of Deterioration
Identifying worsening amblyopia involves observing changes in visual function and behavior. An increase in blurriness or difficulty discerning fine details with the amblyopic eye is a clear indication. You might also notice more pronounced eye misalignment if strabismus is present, with one eye wandering more frequently.
Changes in depth perception, making it harder to judge distances or see in three dimensions, can signal a decline. Individuals might experience more frequent headaches or eye strain, especially after engaging in visual tasks. Other signs include increased squinting, shutting one eye, or tilting the head to achieve clearer vision. These symptoms collectively suggest the brain’s ability to process visual information from the affected eye is further diminishing.
Steps to Address Worsening Amblyopia
If you suspect worsening amblyopia, consult an eye care professional (ophthalmologist or optometrist) promptly. They will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to re-evaluate your vision and check for new or evolving conditions contributing to the decline. This assessment includes reviewing and updating your current prescription to ensure optimal visual correction.
The professional will discuss your past amblyopia treatments, including adherence to regimens like patching or atropine drops, to understand your condition’s history. Based on findings, they may re-initiate or adjust treatment options. This could involve prescribing new glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors, or resuming patching therapy or atropine drops to encourage amblyopic eye use.
Vision therapy, involving specific exercises to improve eye-brain coordination, might also be considered. If eye misalignment significantly contributes to worsening vision, surgical intervention on eye muscles could straighten eyes and help them work together. Beyond treatments, consistent monitoring through regular check-ups is important to manage the condition. Maintaining overall eye health with protective measures and a balanced diet further supports visual well-being.