Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Published : February 14, 2017 10:24 AM IST
Hi,
I am a 19-year-old college student. My problem is that the iris of my left eye keeps wandering inwards or outwards. It is a condition that has followed me to adulthood from childhood, and I have faced a lot of ridicule because of it. A few years ago I visited an ophthalmologist who prescribed glasses to me. (Both my eyes have different powers) Initially, there was some improvement, but since I stopped wearing those glasses, my problem has returned. Somebody told me that there is no cure for my squint and surgery is the only option. Can you please tell me about other treatment options available for my condition?
This query has been answered by ophthalmologist Dr Jatin Ashar
From your description, it seems like you have a condition called Amblyopia, also known as the lazy eye. It usually develops in early childhood and happens to children who have different powers in both eyes. The condition can cause problems such as monocular blindness and loss of binocular and three-dimensional visions. If not addressed appropriately and at the earliest, the squint can go from bad to worse. Had there been some kind of ophthalmological intervention in your early years, your eyes could have been saved from the squint. In my opinion, you shouldn t have discontinued the treatment. Your ophthalmologist was on the right track when he suggested the glasses to you.
There are more treatment options available these days for amblyopia. In the early stages, glasses are suggested to the person. Ophthalmologists also use other methods like eye patch to develop vision in the lazy eye. This is, in fact, the most recommended form of treatment since it is simple and non-invasive. By covering the good eye, the lazy eye is forced to function as a normal eye. This also helps in strengthening the eye muscles. Doctors also administer atropine eye drops to blur the vision in the good eye to achieve the same effect as the eye patch. Levodopa is also administered in some cases.
If the difference of power between both your eyes is too much, doctors also suggest a refractive surgery (Lasik) as a last resort. I would suggest that you consult a good eye doctor who can recommend eye exercises to you. This goes a long way in strengthening the muscles of the eyes.
Read about the 7 things your ophthalmologist wants you to know and 8 things to prevent loss of vision.
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