The treatment your ophthalmologist recommends will depend upon the cause of the amblyopia. Refractive amblyopia from astigmatism, farsightedness or nearsightedness can be treated by glasses and patching.
Obstructive amblyopia (such as from a cataract) can only be treated if the obstruction is first cleared (e.g., cataract removal). Then, any refractive error must be treated and patching performed to force the eye to be used.
Patching treats strabismic amblyopia as well as amblyopia from other diseases, such as optic nerve or retinal dysfunction.
Early Detection of Amblyopia
Amblyopia must be detected early. No newborn should leave the hospital until the primary physician has performed a direct ophthalmoscopy and checked for a good red reflex. Parents should have their children evaluated if they suspect visual impairment, observe crossing of the eyes, notice a white pupil or have a family history of amblyopia and/or strabismus.
Verbal children should have annual screening vision exams in a physician's office or at school. Abnormal vision in either eye warrants further evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
Visual Loss from Amblyopia
When caught early, the condition is very treatable. In older children and adults, however, visual loss from amblyopia cannot be corrected. Individuals with significant visual loss in the affected eye should wear impact resistant glasses at all times and protective eyeglasses during high-risk activities.
Individuals with good eyesight in one eye are not handicapped. However, they do need to protect their good eye from secondary injury. Some studies have suggested that amblyopic individuals tend to have a higher risk for secondary injury to their good eye.