Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Treatment in India

Causes of Amblyopia

Amblyopia develops due to several underlying factors. The most common causes include:

• Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes, where one eye turns in, out, up, or down.
• Refractive errors: Significant differences in the vision of each eye, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision.
• Ptosis: Drooping of one eyelid, obstructing vision in one eye.

Identifying and addressing these root causes early is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

Types of Amblyopia

Amblyopia can be classified into three main types:

1. Strabismic Amblyopia: Occurs due to constant eye misalignment (strabismus), where the brain suppresses input from the misaligned eye.
2. Refractive Amblyopia: Arises when there’s a significant difference in refractive errors (focusing issues) between the two eyes.
3. Deprivation Amblyopia: Results from conditions like congenital cataracts, where something physically blocks vision during early development.

Understanding the type of amblyopia helps in crafting a more effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of Amblyopia

Amblyopia can be difficult to detect in young children, as they may not realize there’s a problem with their vision. Here are some signs to look for:

• One eye wandering inward or outward
• Poor depth perception
• Squinting or closing one eye
• Head tilting
• Eyes not working together
• Difficulty with reading or seeing distant objects

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important to seek medical advice from an eye specialist like Dr. Suraj Munjal.

Diagnosis of Amblyopia

Dr. Suraj Munjal offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to detect amblyopia early. Some diagnostic tools include:

• Visual Acuity Tests: Measures clarity of vision in each eye.
• Cover Test: Checks for misalignment by covering one eye at a time.
• Refraction Test: Determines refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
• Eye Examination: A thorough exam to identify cataracts, ptosis, or other conditions affecting vision.

Treatment of Amblyopia

Amblyopia is treatable, especially if diagnosed early. The treatment approach depends on the cause and severity, with common options including:

• Corrective Glasses or Contact Lenses: For treating refractive amblyopia by addressing vision disparities.
• Patching Therapy: Covering the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder, helping to improve vision.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Used to blur the vision in the stronger eye, forcing the brain to rely on the weaker one.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases of cataracts or strabismus, surgery may be required to correct the underlying issue.

Cost of Amblyopia Treatment and Stay in India

India has become a popular destination for affordable, high-quality medical treatments, including for eye conditions like amblyopia. The cost of treatment can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of treatment involved:

• Consultation Fee: $30 – $50 (USD)
• Treatment Cost: Depending on the treatment method (glasses, patching, atropine drops, or surgery), the cost may range between $100 – $2,000.
• Accommodation & Stay: Affordable accommodations near the clinic can cost around $20 – $100 per day, depending on the level of comfort.

Dr. Suraj Munjal’s clinic provides comprehensive assistance for international patients, including treatment, stay, and follow-up care.