Amblyopia occurs when the eyes and the brain are not working together properly causing one eye to not see as well as the other eye. If there is a difference in visual acuity between the two eyes, the brain may begin to suppress information from the worse seeing eye. Suppression is when visual information from one eye is not being fully utilized compared to the fellow eye. Suppression hinders the process of simultaneous visual information being received by the brain from both eyes. Long-term suppression of the eye’s signal to the brain results in Amblyopia.
If the brain is only receiving information from one eye it will disrupt binocular vision. Binocular vision is the eyes working together as a team and communicating effectively with the brain. Poor binocular vision results in reduced or lack of depth perception.
There is no critical period for treating Amblyopia. It is never too late to learn something new.
The new standard of care for treating Amblyopia is Vision Therapy. Research has repeatedly shown that Vision Therapy is an effective treatment for amblyopia.
Why not patching?
Patching is a common but outdated treatment for Amblyopia. It is very uncomfortable and traumatic for the patient, has multiple negative side effects, with limited results based on age and usually not recommended past age 10, and most importantly does NOT aid in the development of normal binocular vision with depth perception.
At Cary Vision Therapy we address Amblyopia with an individualized approach with active in-office based therapy. Our doctor and therapists utilize the latest methods and technology to help develop binocular vision and depth perception. There is no age limit for our therapy. We strive to make treatment engaging and fun.