Amblyopia Vs Strabismus: Some Interesting Facts

Though closely related in many ways, Amblyopia and Strabismus are two different eye conditions. The former is commonly known as lazy eye whereas Strabismus is alternatively termed as cross-eye. Here, we have worked a lot on Amblyopia vs Strabismus. Besides, you will also come across some of their common symptoms and treatment options in this article. Let’s dive into the things.

Amblyopia Vs Strabismus: Various Aspects Of The Two Common Disorders

In order to make a strong comparison or analysis of the two terms, you will have to go through the two separately. Once you know both of them in detail, you are sure to compare or differentiate between them comprehensively. That’s why we have described the most important aspects of the two in the following paragraphs.

What Is Amblyopia Or A lazy Eye?

If a person has a developmental problem in only one eye, he is said to have a lazy eye or Amblyopia. The problem starts at a very early age and the under-developed eye cannot function. The victim has to use prescription lenses at any cost. Amblyopia typically affects only one eye and makes the appearance of the eyes uneven. They seem to be unaligned. Besides, Amblyopia is also defined as a lack of visual acuity.

It is worth telling that another type of Amblyopia, called refractive amblyopia, does not pose a lazy eye. Here, the eyes are perfectly aligned. However, one of the eyes may have developed poorly and the affected person may be long or short-sighted but only in one eye.

What Is Strabismus Or A Cross-eye?

Commonly known as cross-eyed, Strabismus, unlike Amblyopia, affects both eyes simultaneously. There is a lack of alignment in both eyes. As a result, both the eyes turn up or sometimes up and sideways. Often combined with visual acuity problems that require prescription lenses for their treatment, Strabismus or cross-eyes may occur all the time or intermittently. The most tragedic aspect of Strabismus is that it affects around 4% of children below six and often comes together with other conditions combined.

Amblyopia Vs Strabismus: Amblyopia Symptoms

Poor depth perception, head tilting, unaligned eyes, or only a single wandering eye are a few most common symptoms of amblyopia. Young people often do not realize the intensity of the matter because Amblyopia often captures very small kids. Amblyopia may also be there if your child fusses or struggles when you cover one of his eyes. Better book an appointment with an eye doctor if you find any of these symptoms in your child.

Strabismus Symptoms: Analysing Amblyopia Vs Strabismus

Besides depth perception, as in Amblyopia, Strabismus also carries the symptoms of double vision, fatigue, headaches, and jittery vision. However, once again, the main hindrance to diagnosing such a condition is the age of your child. Hence, it is highly advisable that you seek expert help if you have the foggiest doubt about the eyesight of your child.

In a nutshell, the main problem is the lack of alignment as well as squinting. Having either of these, your child needs an eye doctor.

Amblyopia Vs Strabismus: Different Causes Of Amblyopia

The causes of Amblyopia depend upon the kind of condition the victim is suffering from. Refractive Amblyopia, for example, is there because of refractive problems in the eyes. Deprivation Amblyopia, on the other hand, is due to congenital cataracts. Strabismic Amblyopia results when the brain ignores the input from a misaligned eye that keeps wandering as its input is largely unimportant.

Main Causes Of Strabismus?

These include traumatic or genetic causes, bad vision in one eye, refractive errors left uncured even after prescription lenses, brain tumors, or strokes. Moreover, those suffering from Down syndrome and cerebral palsy are also likely to catch Strabismus. Besides, head injuries may also be the cause of Strabismus.

The Treatment Of Amblyopia

The main focus of all the treatments is to encourage the affected children to use the weaker eye. It may include wearing an eyepatch over their stronger eye. Also, the use of eye drops is quite handy as it can blur the vision in the stronger eye to equalize that of the weaker ones. This way of fixing a lazy eye works really well in most cases. Hence, your or your child’s vision can certainly improve after this treatment. We strongly recommended that all children have their eyes checked before their 4th birthday. Therefore, be quick about managing an appointment with an eye doctor.

How Strabismus Is Treated Vs Amblyopia

The treatment of Strabismus depends upon the cause involved. So, the doctors have to keep in mind the root cause of Strabismus before they start their course of treatment. Moreover,  the treatment may include prescription eyeglasses or vision therapy. Besides, you may also have to undergo eye muscle surgery if it needs to be. Remember to reach out to an eye specialist the soonest, as catching this condition early can resolve the issue completely.

Visit more: How To Reverse Eye Damage Or Vision Loss: Some Natural And Medical Solutions

Conclusion

Though the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Strabismus vs Amblyopia are way different, catching both of them early is the key to their complete cure. Schedule an appointment with your eye specialist for your children before their 4th birthday.

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