Amblyopia and Orthoptists
Amblyopia affects 2-5% of children in the United States.
It is the leading cause of vision loss in children.
Fortunately, it is also the most reversible form of vision loss.
Amblyopia describes vision that remains weaker, even when the correct glasses are being worn.
Amblyopia occurs when the brain ignores visual input from the poorer seeing eye, resulting in the under development of the visual pathway.
If vision is still reduced after three months of glasses wear, additional amblyopia treatment will be recommended.
Eye patching (occlusion therapy) or eyedrops (atropine) may be prescribed. Amblyopia treatment has evolved to include some digital therapies.
Treatment continues until the vision in the weaker eye is improved and stable.
Early intervention yields the best visual outcomes.
Patching Activities
Downloadable Coloring Pages
Informational Videos
Child eye care
Let's talk patching
Our orthoptic colleagues further explain the hows and whys of amblyopia treatment
Aapos
Let's hear from the doctors
Orthoptists work alongside pediatric ophthalmologists to treat amblyopia. The American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strrabismus (AAPOS) also has an amblyopia information page
National Eye Institute
Our brain and amblyopia
Dr. Michael Chiang, Director of the National Eye institute, explains causes of amblyopia and how it can effect our brain development
