Amblyopia: Vision Training for Your Child's Eye Health

Amblyopia-related issues

Hello, doctor… I would like to ask a question: My child is currently a first grader (7 years old) and was diagnosed with high hyperopia (350-450) and high astigmatism (300-400) in both eyes about two to three years ago.
After examination and long-term follow-up by the doctor, we finally got glasses last year as recommended to prevent further deterioration of the prescription (the prescription has not changed in the past two to three years).
However, after wearing the glasses, the vision remains between 0.7 and 0.8.
Recently, since my child needed another vision check, we consulted another ophthalmologist.
As expected, the prescription remains stable, and even with corrective lenses, the vision only reaches between 0.8 and 0.9.
The doctor explained that since the vision cannot exceed 1.0 (for a 7-year-old), it is considered amblyopia.
The doctor asked if our previous ophthalmologist had advised us on vision training for our child.
According to the child's condition, the doctor suggested extensive training with small, brightly colored objects to increase visual stimulation and strengthen the visual areas of the brain to correct the amblyopia issue.
This contradicts what our previous ophthalmologist advised, who suggested that we let our child rest their eyes, look at distant objects, and read larger print books.
Regarding the prescription, the previous doctor informed us that with glasses, the prescription would not worsen and did not mention the need for vision training.
We also asked both previous doctors if there was any issue with amblyopia, and they both said there was none.
In this situation, could you please advise whether my child needs vision training or not?

Sean, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/16

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology

It is more accurate to say that hyperopia is less concerning than myopia, thus encouraging more reading and close-up activities.
The critical period for this is between the ages of 5 to 8.
Activities such as reading small print and sorting mixed colored beads or beans should be emphasized for training.

Reply Date: 2010/04/16

More Info

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a condition where one eye does not achieve normal visual acuity, even with the use of corrective lenses. It is crucial to understand that amblyopia can develop due to various factors, including significant refractive errors like hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, which your child has been diagnosed with. In your child's case, the presence of high hyperopia and astigmatism could indeed lead to amblyopia if not properly managed.

Your child's current visual acuity of 0.7 to 0.9, despite wearing corrective lenses, indicates that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed. The fact that the previous eye doctors did not classify your child as having amblyopia, despite the visual acuity not reaching the expected level for their age, is concerning. It is essential to have a clear understanding of what constitutes amblyopia and how it can be treated.

The differing opinions from the two eye doctors regarding vision training and the need for visual stimulation can be confusing. The first doctor’s recommendation to allow your child to rest their eyes and focus on distant objects is based on the idea of reducing eye strain, which is important, especially for children with refractive errors. However, the second doctor’s suggestion to engage in activities that stimulate the visual system, such as looking at small, brightly colored objects, is also valid. This approach aims to enhance the brain's ability to process visual information from the weaker eye, potentially improving visual acuity.

In terms of training your child's vision, it is essential to strike a balance. While it is crucial to ensure that your child does not overstrain their eyes, engaging in specific vision training exercises can be beneficial. These exercises may include activities that promote visual tracking, focusing on near and far objects, and using contrasting colors to stimulate visual processing. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen the neural connections between the eyes and the brain, which can be particularly helpful in cases of amblyopia.

Moreover, it is vital to ensure that your child continues to wear their corrective lenses consistently, as this is the foundation of managing refractive errors and preventing further deterioration of vision. Regular follow-up appointments with an eye care professional are necessary to monitor your child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

In summary, your child may benefit from a combination of vision training and proper management of their refractive errors. It is advisable to consult with a pediatric ophthalmologist or an optometrist who specializes in children's vision to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. This plan should include regular eye exams, consistent use of corrective lenses, and appropriate vision training exercises to enhance visual acuity and address any potential amblyopia.

Similar Q&A

Effective Amblyopia Training Techniques for Your Child's Vision

Hello, Dr. Liu! I saw your response regarding amblyopia on the e-hospital platform in Taiwan, which gave me further insight. My daughter is currently five and a half years old and has just started treatment for amblyopia. She has high astigmatism combined with pseudomyopia, for w...

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello Cathy: The treatment for amblyopia should be approached step by step: 1. Is there any refractive error? (Wearing glasses is necessary to ensure that the child sees clear images.) 2. Are there any other occlusive eye diseases or other ocular conditions? (Occlusive eye diseas...

Understanding Amblyopia: Concerns and Progress in Children's Vision Treatment

Dr. Wu: Hello, my child was diagnosed with severe amblyopia in one eye (around 1400 degrees) at the age of four years and eleven months. We have been patching the eye every day from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (six days a week, with one day without glasses and no patching). On Saturdays, ...

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology
Dear Concerned Mother, What is "amblyopia"? Amblyopia refers to a condition where, after the normal developmental period of the eyes, one or both eyes cannot achieve the best corrected visual acuity of 0.8 or above with glasses, despite the absence of any pathological ...

Managing High Astigmatism and Amblyopia in Young Children: Expert Insights

Hello, Doctor: My daughter is 4 years old and has high astigmatism (300° in both eyes) and amblyopia with a vision of 0.3 in both eyes. The doctor has advised her to watch television continuously for vision training. Since she needs to attend preschool, she can only watch TV for ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Amy: Regarding amblyopia, each physician has their own treatment methods and principles. If the physician has a good reputation and you trust their treatment, it is best to follow their advice and continue monitoring your treatment with them. If you feel uncertain, there ar...

Is It Safe to Stop Amblyopia Training for My Child's Vision?

Hello Dr. Tsai, My child was diagnosed with myopia combined with amblyopia at the age of 4 years and 10 months (on September 8, 2017), with myopia measurements of -2.75 diopters in the left eye and -2.25 diopters in the right eye. After corrective glasses were prescribed, the v...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, your issue may still require a physical examination for clarification. If you have concerns about the original physician's recommendations, you can visit a medical center for further confirmation. Thank you. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan,...