Amblyopia screening
Amblyopia is a condition of reduced vision. It is known by the terms “lazy” or “sluggish” eye. By nature, it’s a neurological condition, wherein one eye, known as amblyopic, is less developed. As a result, the brain doesn’t perceive the image captured by it.
Causes
There are various conditions that can lead to amblyopia. The most commonly encountered ones are:
- Unequal eyes - in this case, to avoid double vision, the brain stops the vision of one eye. The patient starts using only the stronger eye.
- A significant difference in the refractive power of the eyes - when one eye is nearsighted, farsighted or has a higher degree of astigmatism - the brain halts one eye, turning it amblyopic.
- Obstructions to vision, corneal diseases, hereditary glaucoma. It manifests itself in the first few months of the baby’s life and needs to be addressed promptly.
It’s essential to highlight that the patient’s visual apparatus is fully functional. It’s a neurological disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing amblyopia is vital at an early age, as treatment is most effective then. The child might not realize that both eyes function differently. The most reliable approach is an examination by an ophthalmologist. Babies can also be examined, but it’s more accurate if the young patients can cooperate with the doctor.
Treatment
Since it’s a neurological disease, the treatment doesn’t focus on the visual apparatus. Nevertheless, the weaker eye must be forced to work. Often, this is achieved by covering the stronger eye for several hours a day. The treatment continues for weeks or months.
If an obstruction causes amblyopia, it needs to be surgically removed.
Consequences
As a result of unaddressed amblyopia, the brain uses only the image from one eye and does not develop stereoscopic vision. Patients cannot gauge the distance to objects. They cannot become architects, surgeons, professional drivers. Their participation in sports is highly restricted.
Screening
There’s no policy for children’s screening in Bulgaria. It’s the parents’ responsibility to get their children checked by an ophthalmologist. Often, parents are unaware, and the children get diagnosed too late.
What we do
The Rotary Club Sofia Triaditsa has years of experience in screening for this condition. With the funds from the charity ball on the club’s charter occasion, we purchased a refractometer device. With the support of major Sofia hospitals, we organize examinations where the children are - in kindergartens. This way, we can cover more children in a very short period.