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

• Amblyopia and Strabismus

What is Strabismic 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 (misaligned eyes), which is an eye condition in which both the eyes are unable to focus on the same place at the same time
• Strabismic Amblyopia develops from constant strabismus that involves a single eye (unilateral). 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 Strabismic Amblyopia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• It is reported that over 30% of amblyopia cases are Strabismic 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 Strabismic Amblyopia? (Predisposing Factors)

• Strabismic Amblyopia develops from untreated strabismus, which is the primary risk factor
• A positive family history of amblyopia can also increase one’s risk for the condition

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 Strabismic Amblyopia? (Etiology)

In Strabismic Amblyopia, there is an eye positioning muscle imbalance that leads to crossed eyes or eye turn; it causes difficulty in keeping one’s eyes coordinated.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Strabismic Amblyopia?

The signs and symptoms of Strabismic Amblyopia may include:

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

How is Strabismic Amblyopia Diagnosed?

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

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation
• 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
• Retinal birefringence scanning (RBS)
• Alignment and focusing testing
• 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 Strabismic Amblyopia?

If Strabismic 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
• Reduced employment opportunities
• Impaired social life due to embarrassment, poor eye contact, and feeling of awkwardness
• Low self-esteem and negative self-image
• 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

How is Strabismic Amblyopia Treated?

Strabismic Amblyopia may be treated successfully with early intervention and appropriate therapy. Often, an individualized treatment is planned and provided. 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
• Vision therapy - it is a form of training to help the eye muscles and brain work together
• Eye surgery may be needed to correct strabismus, in some children
• Botulinum toxin therapy, for individuals older than 12 years

How can Strabismic Amblyopia be Prevented?

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

• It is important to screen children for eye health very early (before age 6 months) and regularly (at least once between ages 3 and 5 years)
• 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 any health issues is important

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

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

• 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 Strabismic Amblyopia:

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

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