Define amblyopia and discuss why it is so important to detect this condition in young children.
Amblyopia is an eye disorder which affects vision development. The visual acuity of eyes is impaired in individuals suffering with this condition because the brain and the affected eye fail to form the vital connection needed for eye's proper functioning. The damage is so severe that it cannot be treated even with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another name of this disorder is 'lazy eye'' disorder.
Development of amblyopia occurs during infancy stage or early childhood. In majority of the cases, individuals with amblyopia have visual impairment in only one eye. However, it can affect both the eyes in some cases.
It is necessary to detect and treat amblyopia early in life as early detection reduces the chances of visual impairment. However, if it is left untreated, it can cause legal blindness in adulthood. It has been reported that children who suffer from this condition get used to it from early childhood and do not mention it to their parents. This often leads to worsening of the condition later on. Therefore, it is essential to treat this disorder in young children.
Define amblyopia and discuss why it is so important to detect this condition in young children.