AMBLYOPIAa condition of

the eye commonly referred to as “lazy eye”; vision gradually becomes blurred or distorted to unequal balance of the eye muscles. The eyes do not present any physical clues when a child has amblyopia.

CONDITION Also known as lazy eye Caused by muscle imbalance (childhood

cataracts) that result in blurred or double vision It happens because the child’s brain finds the

distortion confusing, therefore beings to only recognize images from the stronger eye while ignoring those from the weaker eye

Sight is gradually lost in the weaker eye from the disuse

Affects 2% of children under 10 Children born to mothers who smoke have a

higher risk

SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS No observable signs in the child’s

appearance and/or behaviors Young children do not notice anything

changing in their vision normally which makes them unable to tell anyone

This make its hard to detect without testing Causes a loss of depth perception

MANAGEMENT Earlier the condition is found, better chance the child will

not lose their vision Detection can be done with routine vision screenings. They

will check that: Child’s eyes let light all the way through Both eyes see equally well Eyes are moving normally

Treatment is more successful when condition is diagnosed between six months and two years

If diagnosed before the age of six or seven most of the child’s eyesight can be restored

Children as old as 17 may be able to regain some of their eyesight with treatment

Children wear a patch over the stronger eye until muscle strength in the weaker eye improves

The child may also need glasses, eye drops, and to perform eye exercises

TEACHER MODIFICATIONS

Teacher may be asked to administer treatments to the student during the day

Teachers must understand the importance of maintaining a child’s treatment schedule

Being supportive of the child’s difficulty with their disorder is a must

While doing treatments, added precautions such as clearing obstacles from pathways and holding the student’s hand to guide them around new spaces may be necessary

CLASSROOM SETTING

Teacher’s can use this learning experience to develop other students empathy and acceptance for individuals with special needs

Letting students interact with students who have differences then their own help broaden their knowledge and life skills

REFERENCE PAGE

Hamilton, S. (2011, October 26). Amblyopia and your child's eyes. Retrieved from

http://www.webmd.com/eye- health/amblyopia-child-eyes?page=2

Marotz, L. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child. (7 ed., pp. 76-77). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning