What Causes Amblyopia?
	Amblyopia is caused by any condition that affects normal use of the eyes and visual development. Amblyopia has the following three major causes: Strabismus Unequal Focus; and Cloudiness in the eye tissues
	Strabismus (misaligned or "crossed eyes")
	Amblyopia occurs most commonly with misaligned eyes. The crossed eye "turns off" to avoid double vision. The child uses only the better eye.
	Unequal Focus
	Refractive errors are eye conditions that are corrected by wearing glasses. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Amblyopia occurs when an unfocused eye "turns off" and does not develop to its full potential. The eyes can appear normal, but one eye has poor vision. This type of amblyopia can be detected only by careful measurment of vision.
	Cloudiness in the Normally Clear Eye Tissues
	Any factor that prevents a clear image from being focused inside the eye can lead to the development of amblyopia in a child. An eye disease such as a cataract (clouding of the eye's natural lens) blocks vision and may cause amblyopia.
	How is Amblyopia Treated?
	Dr. Deena Leonard and Dr. Dana Kolton , pediatric ophthalmologists, routinely treat amblyopia in children. Common treatments include the following: Patching Prescription Glasses; and Surgery
	Patching
	By covering the stronger eye, the weaker or "lazy eye" is forced to work.
	Prescription Glasses
	Glasses can correct refractive errors and help focus the eyes.
	Surgery
	Surgical correction of the eye muscles may be required to straighten eyes which are misaligned. Congenital cataracts also require surgical correction. Once amblyopia is detected, treatment should be initiated immediately. Through early vision screening and appropriate treatment, children can enjoy a lifetime of good vision.