What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Amblyopia Ex Anopsia
• DA (Deprivation Amblyopia)

What is Deprivation Amblyopia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition that results in decreased vision in an eye that typically appears normal. The most common cause of amblyopia is strabismus, an eye disorder causing misaligned eyes
• Deprivation Amblyopia (DA) is caused by the ocular media becoming opaque; the most common causes for this includes congenital cataract or haziness of the cornea
• When visual axis of the eye is obstructed, it can result in Deprivation Amblyopia over a period of time. The condition is the least common but most severe form of amblyopia
• The condition, predominantly seen in young children, is usually diagnosed during wellness (physical) exams, annual visits to a pediatrician, or through vision screening exams conducted in elementary schools

Who gets Deprivation Amblyopia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• It is reported that about 2-3% of amblyopia cases are Deprivation Amblyopia
• According to a worldwide study, the global prevalence rate of amblyopia is around 1.5%. The prevalence rates are lower in Asia and Africa when compared to North America and Europe (prevalence rates of 0.72-1.09% versus 2.41-2.90%)
• Most cases of amblyopia are first diagnosed in children under the age of 8 years. In rare cases, a late-onset of amblyopia can occur in adults
• Males and females are equally affected, and no gender preference is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Deprivation Amblyopia? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Deprivation Amblyopia may include:

• Family history of amblyopia
• Aphakia (absence of lens in one or both eyes)
• Congenital cataract
• Cornea opacity
• Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
• Hemangioma of the eye
• Vitreous hemorrhage

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Deprivation Amblyopia? (Etiology)

• Deprivation Amblyopia is a form of amblyopia that results from obstructed vision from opacity/occlusion of the ocular media (i.e., the transparent eye parts such as the cornea, aqueous and vitreous humor, and the lens)
• The most common cause for Deprivation Amblyopia is congenital cataract. The other causes include obstruction of the vitreous fluid, absence of lens, and ocular lesions

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Deprivation Amblyopia?

In Deprivation Amblyopia, the eyes may appear clouded. The signs and symptoms can occur suddenly or gradually depending on the underlying cause.

In general, the signs and symptoms of amblyopia include:

• Depth perception problems
• Crossed eyes
• Eyes turned out
• Blurry vision in one or both eyes
• Eye coordination difficulties
• Headaches
• Squinting
• Other vision signs and symptoms such as lack of binocular vision

Associated signs and symptoms of the underlying condition/disorder, if any present, may also be observed.

How is Deprivation Amblyopia Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Deprivation Amblyopia may involve the following test and exams:

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation (including evaluation of any congenital condition such as cataracts)
• Assessment of signs and symptoms: The healthcare provider will look for symptoms including wandering eyes, eye turn, vision differences between the eyes, and refractive errors
• General eye exam
• Neuronal receptive fields
• Corneal light reflex test
• Contrast sensitivity
• Grating acuity
• Visual acuity test using a special and standardized test chart (Snellen chart)
• Refraction studies using various instruments
• Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
• Slit-lamp examination
• Imaging studies including CT and MRI scans of the head and neck region, if necessary

Tests and exams to determine an underlying cause, if present, may be necessary.

Many other clinical conditions may cause vision loss in children. Your optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist may perform additional tests to rule out other conditions.

What are the possible Complications of Deprivation Amblyopia?

If Deprivation Amblyopia is left untreated, complete vision loss in the affected eye(s) is a significant complication. The other complications may include:

• Vision problems causing an inability to read, drive, play sports, or perform simple tasks
• Development of strabismus
• Decreased quality of life due to loss of stereoscopic vision; this can also increase one’s risk for vehicular or occupational accidents
• Treatment related complications
• Persistence of amblyopia following treatment

How is Deprivation Amblyopia Treated?

Deprivation Amblyopia may be treated successfully with early intervention and appropriate therapy. The treatment measures include treating the symptoms and managing the underlying condition/disorder.

The available treatment options include:

• Prescription glasses for full-time wear (usually the first-line of treatment)
• Use of full-time cycloplegic refraction eye wear
• Eye patching (for non-amblyopic eye) in certain cases
• Use of medications such as atropine
• Eye surgery may be needed for conditions such as cataracts or droopy eyelids

How can Deprivation Amblyopia be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known prevention methods for Deprivation Amblyopia. To prevent symptoms from getting worse, early recognition and treatment is important.

• Efforts can be taken to reduce one’s risk of developing amblyopia by having regular eye examinations, especially in infants and young children
• Periodic eye examinations for older children and adults, especially if there is a high risk for development of the condition
• Undertaking early and adequate treatment of ocular conditions, such as cataracts, eye tumors, and corneal opacity, is important

What is the Prognosis of Deprivation Amblyopia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Deprivation Amblyopia depends on the severity, one’s age, underlying condition, and treatment response.

• Timely treatment of the condition is important. If the condition is not treated promptly, in some cases, amblyopia may persist even after correction of ocular media occlusion
• The younger the children with the condition are corrected, the better are the outcomes (typically before age 10)
• If diagnosis and treatments are delayed, the vision may be permanently affected

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Deprivation Amblyopia:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/