Strabismus and Amblyopia Evaluation
What is Strabismus?
What is Amblyopia?
This testing carefully evaluates both the eye-turn characteristics (motor aspects) and the brain’s ability to process or integrate the information received from both eyes (sensory aspects).
Motor aspects evaluated include:
- Direction of the eyeturn (esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia)
- Size of the eyeturn
- Frequency of the eyeturn (constant or intermittent)
Sensory aspects evaluated include:
- Amblyopia – determines the type and severity of vision loss
- Cortical correspondence - determines whether the patient has the sensory potential to use the two eyes together to achieve normal binocular (two-eyed) vision
- Potential of the patient to integrate the images from both eyes into a single "fused" image
- Stereopsis – determines if the patient can achieve a high level of two-eyed depth perception
Based on the characteristics of the strabismus and/or amblyopia, the prognosis for achieving normal visual acuity and normal binocular vision will be reviewed. A discussion of the possible treatment options and sequence of those options will take place. Treatment options may include the use of lenses, prism, occlusion (patch type or drops), active vision therapy procedures or referral for surgery.
Call 714.449.7430 for information on scheduling and fees.
What is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition where an eye is turned inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. A person with strabismus is often referred to as having a "crossed-eye" (esotropia) or being "wall-eye" (exotropia). Strabismus effects approximately 3% to 5% of the general population. The appearance of the eye turn can be dramatic, often causing parental concern, or it can be hardly noticeable. It can be present only part of the time or all of the time. Although strabismus can develop at any age, most eye turns occur during the first few years of life. Some children develop strabismus shortly after birth while others develop it during their toddler years, with the majority occurring before the age of 6 years. Eye turns can cause a range of complaints, including double vision, decreased vision (lazy eye), eye strain, decreased depth perception, and unusual head postures; although some individuals have no complaints at all. Because of the cosmetic appearance of a strabismus, it can affect a person’s self esteem.
The most important aspect of strabismus is early identification and treatment. Because some eye turns are not noticeable, the AOA recommends all children have their first eye exam by 6 months of age (Pediatric Vision Care Service). This allows for identification of strabismus or risk factors that might lead to strabismus in the future. If the examination findings are normal then the next examination should be scheduled when the child is 3 years of age. If the findings are significant or there are risk factors such as a family history of strabismus or developmental delays (e.g., Down syndrome or cerebral palsy) then the examinations should be scheduled on a more frequent basis. Left untreated, eye turns can lead to a loss of vision, affect school performance, reduce productivity at work, and impact career choices.
Early identification leading to early treatment increases the possibility of a good outcome (Strabismus/Amblyopia Evaluation). Some types of strabismus can be treated with glasses alone while others require treatment beyond glasses. Treatment may include prisms, occlusion (patching), vision therapy, surgery, or a combination. Vision therapy works by developing the brain’s ability to use both eyes simultaneously. Surgical treatment physically moves the muscles to new locations in an attempt to mechanically straighten the eye. Which treatment may be best for you or your child can be determined by your eye care provider after a thorough vision assessment.
What is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye”, is the most common cause of visual impairment in children and young adults. Sometimes amblyopia is caused by one eye crossing in or turning out. Other times it is caused by anisometropia, a difference in the prescription between the two eyes. Whichever the cause, the brain favors one eye over the other resulting in reduced vision in the unfavored eye. Amblyopia is a condition that may be preventable but unfortunately it is often undiagnosed until a child reaches school aged. It is generally felt that the earlier it is detected and treated, the easier it is to obtain a successful outcome.
If your child has recently been through an eye examination and was diagnosed with amblyopia, the Studt Center for Vision Therapy at the Eye Care Center offers further testing with a Strabismus and Amblyopia Evaluation. Treatment usually consists of wearing glasses, if necessary, patching or eye drops, and vision therapy. The purpose of the glasses is to ensure a clear, crisp image projected on the eye. Patching or eye drops are then added to force the “weaker” eye to be utilized more. Finally, vision therapy may also be added to further develop binocularity and 3-D depth perception. You and your doctor will be able to discuss which treatment options would be most suitable for your child.
For further information, please refer to the following websites:
www.PEDIG.com
www.preventblindness.org
www.strabismus.org