Ambyopia

Ambylopia occurs when there is a difference between the eyes that cannot be attributed to simply a difference in refraction (ie something that can be corrected by lenses) or other structural or physical differences between the eyes.  It is a difference in how the brain processes signals from a “stronger” and “weaker” eye.  

Early detection of differences in visual acuity between a child's eyes is crucial for proper development of vision.  If differences in visual acuity are not detected early – before about age five – the brain does not develop proper visual pathways between the eye and the visual cortex.  In other words, the brain can stop processing signals from the weaker eye.  Thus, there is a critical window to catch differences in function between the eyes.  How common a problem is amblyopia?  The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates the prevelence of between 2 and 5 percent.

But how would you know your child has a vision problem?  Sometimes parents observe differences in their child's eye movements or other differences.  Eye screening at regular intervals at your pediatrician’s office can be another way to detect problems.  The eyes are assessed at every well child visit.  By about age four, many children can cooperate with reading an eye chart.  

But what about children who cannot use an eye chart, such as children less than three years of age?  In addition to our usual physical exam, we use the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener ® to assess vision starting at age one and annually thereafter, until the child can use an eye chart.  Photoscreening devices use optical images of the red reflex to detect refractive errors, media opacities (eg cataracts), or abnormal alignment or movement of the eyes.  When detected early, vision problems can be corrected before they progress to amblyopia.  Vision screening is an included part of every check up.