Amblyopia: Non-Surgical Options and Surgical Success Rates

Q: Amblyopia: Non-Surgical Options and Surgical Success Rates

Hello： "Amblyopia"? Amblyopia refers to a condition where, after the normal developmental period of the eyes, one or both eyes cannot achieve a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 or better with glasses, despite the absence of any pathological changes in the ocular structures. <b

Regarding amblyopia?

Hello, doctor.
My brother is 21 years old and has recently discovered that his amblyopia has recurred.
However, he is reluctant to undergo surgery, possibly due to a lack of confidence in the procedure.
My mother mentioned that he had amblyopia when he was younger, but it was corrected with glasses at that time.
Recently, my brother suddenly told my mother that his amblyopia has returned, and she is very worried.
Is there any way for my brother to correct his amblyopia without surgery? If surgery is necessary, could you please inform me about the success rate of the procedure? Additionally, are there any potential side effects? My mother is really, really concerned and doesn't know who to ask.
Thank you for your response! ^_^

SKY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/15

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello: "Amblyopia"? Amblyopia refers to a condition where, after the normal developmental period of the eyes, one or both eyes cannot achieve a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 or better with glasses, despite the absence of any pathological changes in the ocular structures.
The golden period for amblyopia treatment is between the ages of 3 to 6 years; if treatment is initiated after the age of 8 to 9 years, the results are usually not favorable.
Amblyopia is characterized by an underdeveloped visual function.
After undergoing amblyopia treatment, if the visual function approaches normal and is maintained into the teenage years, it generally does not regress.
In your brother's case, it would not be classified as amblyopia because the visual impairment is due to pathological changes in the ocular structures.
Due to the unclear nature of your description, I cannot provide an answer regarding the necessity of surgery or the likelihood of surgical success.
Any ocular pathology should be addressed promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.
Liu Jingjian, Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch, Taiwan e-Learning Institute.

Reply Date: 2005/10/15

More Info

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a condition where one eye does not develop proper vision, leading to reduced visual acuity that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. It typically develops in childhood and can result from various factors, including strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), refractive errors (like significant differences in prescription between the two eyes), or deprivation (such as cataracts).
In your brother's case, it seems that he had a history of amblyopia that was previously treated with glasses, but it has now recurred. This situation can be concerning, especially since amblyopia can lead to long-term visual impairment if not addressed.

Non-Surgical Options for Amblyopia
1. Corrective Lenses: If your brother has a refractive error, wearing glasses or contact lenses can help improve vision in the affected eye. Regular eye exams are crucial to ensure that the prescription is up to date.

2. Occlusion Therapy (Patch Therapy): This involves covering the stronger eye with a patch for a certain number of hours each day. This forces the weaker eye to work harder, which can help improve its function over time. This method is often more effective in younger children but can still be beneficial for older individuals.

3. Vision Therapy: This is a structured program of visual activities designed to improve eye coordination and visual processing. It may include exercises that help strengthen the weaker eye and improve overall visual skills.

4. Atropine Drops: In some cases, doctors may prescribe atropine drops to blur the vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder. This method can be an alternative to patching.

Surgical Options and Success Rates
If non-surgical methods do not yield satisfactory results, surgery may be considered, especially if there is an underlying condition such as strabismus. Surgical options can include:
1. Strabismus Surgery: This procedure aims to realign the eyes. The success rate for strabismus surgery is generally high, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in eye alignment and, consequently, in visual acuity. Success rates can vary but are often reported to be between 70-90%.

2. Cataract Surgery: If amblyopia is due to cataracts, surgical removal of the cataract can restore vision and potentially improve amblyopia.

Risks and Considerations
While surgery can be effective, it is essential to discuss potential risks and complications with an ophthalmologist. Possible risks include:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.

- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: Sometimes, the surgery may not achieve the desired alignment, necessitating further procedures.

- Visual Changes: There may be changes in vision post-surgery, which can be temporary or permanent.

Conclusion
It is understandable that your brother may be hesitant about surgery, especially if he has had a previous experience with amblyopia. Encouraging him to explore non-surgical options first is a reasonable approach. However, if these methods do not work, consulting with an eye care professional about the potential benefits and risks of surgery is crucial.
Ultimately, early intervention is key in managing amblyopia effectively. Regular follow-ups with an eye care specialist can help monitor his condition and adjust treatment as necessary. Your family's support and understanding will also play a significant role in his treatment journey.

Similar Q&A

Can Surgery Correct Amblyopia in Children? Understanding Treatment Options

A child turned 6 years old this March. At 3.5 years old, their vision was checked and diagnosed with myopia of -5.00 and -6.00, and astigmatism of -2.50 and -3.00, leading to the prescription of glasses (congenital amblyopia). They have been undergoing amblyopia training at Macka...

Dr. Zhuang Yamin reply Ophthalmology
Dear Mandy, There are many types of pediatric amblyopia, including strabismic amblyopia, refractive amblyopia, anisometropic amblyopia, and deprivation amblyopia. The condition you mentioned that requires surgical correction is likely strabismic amblyopia. Improvement in visual ...

Effective Treatments for Adult Amblyopia: Overcoming Vision Challenges

Hello Doctor, I have congenital amblyopia along with right eye strabismus, astigmatism, and color blindness. These issues have troubled me for over 20 years, making it difficult for me to obtain a driver's license and find a job. Is there any effective treatment available no...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, sir: Your vision has passed the critical period for treatment (ages 5-8), and unfortunately, it cannot be restored. However, for strabismus, surgery can be performed to correct it to a proper alignment. If the job you are applying for places significant importance on appea...

Understanding Congenital Amblyopia: Treatment Options and Family Impact

Hello, I would like to ask about my younger brother. He has been diagnosed with congenital amblyopia since birth and is now 32 years old. His vision has been deteriorating, and I would like to know if there are any surgical options available to prevent him from going blind. Addit...

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Individuals with amblyopia do not experience worsening vision. Based on the medical history, it can be inferred that your brother's condition may be hereditary and is likely retinitis pigmentosa, for which there is currently no treatment available.

Understanding Strabismus in Infants: Treatment Options and Concerns

Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I would like to ask you about our baby, who has been diagnosed with intermittent strabismus. Currently, he is just one year old, with alternating strabismus of about 10 degrees in each eye. The cycloplegic refraction shows hyperopia of +3.00 diopters and astigma...

Dr. Xie Wenzhen reply Ophthalmology
Hello, thank you for your question. I would like to respond to your inquiry and provide the following suggestions: A refractive error of +3.00 diopters is not considered severe for children; however, if there is concomitant esotropia, full correction with glasses should be consid...