Amblyopia Home allows you to:
1) keep track of when and how long you patched or placed drops
2) monitor the progress of your child's vision
3) test your child's vision from home
4) send treatment information and vision directly to your doctor
5) receive updates for treatment from your doctor directly in the app
all without leaving your home
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Amblyopia
Amblyopia, which is sometimes called lazy eye, is present when one eye cannot see well and the vision is blurry, even despite glasses. When the brain learns to see, it requires a sharp image from the eye. Sometimes, one eye provides a sharper image than the other eye; when this happens, the brain devotes most of its attention to the clearer eye. The other eye, becomes blurry, because the brain starts to ignore it. The blurry eye cannot see as well on the eye chart than the clearer eye. For more information, click here.
Types of Amblyopia
Refractive
Occurs when there is a large or unequal refractive error (glasses strength) between a child’s eyes due to the eye's shape or size. One eye may be much more far-sighted than the other eye. This can also include conditions such as astigmatism, where there is an abnormal curvature to the front of the eye.
Strabismic
Occurs when the eyes are misaligned and do not move together in the same direction. One eye may be turned in, out, up or down, compared to the other eye. The brain pays more attention to the eye that is straight and ignores the eye that crosses or drifts out, causing amblyopia.
Derivational
Occurs when something blocks the vision development in an eye (like a cataract, severe ptosis (droopy eyelid), or a problem with the cornea (clear surface of eye) or vitreous (gel in the back of the eye)). The brain devoted all its attention to the eye without the blockage. Once the blockage is cleared, the vision is still decreased because the brain was not receiving a good image and has not learned to see well.
Patching
Patching is a common method of treatment for amblyopia. This type of vision loss cannot be corrected by glasses or surgery. The patch forces the child’s brain to use the weak eye and build the vision in that eye.
The patch must be an adhesive type, that sticks on the face. Be sure that the patch sticks firmly to the skin. The narrow end of the patch is placed toward the nose and the broad end away from the nose. If the child wears glasses, the patch should be placed under the glasses directly on the skin.
Wearing a patch may feel uncomfortable and sometimes difficult in the beginning. Your child may not see well at first, and this can be frightening. However, patching does not hurt and it does not damage your child's normal eye. Your child can wear the patch during any activity they choose, however they must remain awake while patched. If the child removes the patch before the prescribed time is completed replace it with a new patch and continue with time. Remember to encourage your child to use the patch as directed.
Remember, log your patching in the app!
Atropine Drops
Atropine works by not allowing the eye to focus by dilating the pupil and causing a blur in vision worse with near work. Atropine drops are placed in the stronger eye 1 to 7 days per week as prescribed by your doctor. Atropine encourages the brain to use the weaker eye.
Place one drop of atropine in the “good” eye as directed. As a side effect, the pupil (the black part of the eye) will become very large and “dilated”. The dilation may last up to one week but the focusing effect wears off more rapidly so it is usually used for at least 2 times per week. Your child may be more light sensitive in this eye. If this occurs, sunglasses or hats are useful if outside.
After placing the drop, you may pinch the corner of the eyelids near the nose to prevent the medication from being absorbed into the body.