What are the causes of amblyopia in children?
May 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Hereditary factors may cause defects in the structure or function of the eye, affecting visual development, and amblyopia symptoms such as reduced vision may be present after birth. A comprehensive eye examination should be conducted as early as possible, and an individualized treatment plan should be developed based on specific circumstances, such as wearing appropriate glasses or undergoing occlusion therapy. Prolonged near-eye work and frequently reading in environments with excessively bright or dim lighting should be avoided.
Amblyopia in children may be caused by genetic factors, poor eye habits, refractive amblyopia, congenital ptosis, or congenital cataracts. Appropriate management can be selected based on specific circumstances. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for diagnosis and follow medical advice for treatment to avoid delaying the condition.
1. Genetic factors: Genetic defects may lead to impaired ocular structure or function, affecting visual development, and visual impairment symptoms may manifest after birth. A comprehensive eye examination should be conducted as early as possible, and an individualized treatment plan formulated based on specific conditions, such as wearing appropriate glasses or undergoing occlusion therapy.
2. Poor eye habits: Prolonged near-eye work, frequently reading or watching TV and other electronic devices in overly bright or dim lighting can cause excessive eye fatigue, affect eye development, and lead to amblyopia, often accompanied by symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision. Good eye habits should be cultivated, eye usage time controlled, with a 10-15 minute rest every 30-40 minutes of eye use. Increased outdoor activities and appropriate indoor lighting are also recommended.
3. Refractive amblyopia: Often caused by high hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism in children, resulting in blurred retinal images that can lead to amblyopia over time. Affected children may experience vision loss, with blurred vision at both near and far distances. Follow medical advice to use atropine sulfate eye ointment for cycloplegic refraction, wear appropriate glasses for correction, and some patients may also require amblyopia therapy devices for adjunctive treatment.
4. Congenital ptosis: Due to incomplete development of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or dysfunction of the nerve controlling it, the upper eyelid partially or completely covers the pupil, blocking light stimulation to the retina and causing amblyopia. Symptoms include ptosis of the upper eyelid, covering part or all of the eyeball, affecting appearance and vision. Surgical correction under medical guidance is recommended. Postoperative treatment may include ofloxacin eye ointment, recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor eye drops, and other medications to promote recovery and prevent infection according to the recovery status.
5. Congenital cataracts: Due to congenital lens opacity blocking light from entering the eye, retinal imaging is impaired, leading to abnormal visual development. Symptoms in affected children include leukocoria and significant vision loss. Patients can undergo surgical treatment under medical guidance, and postoperatively use medications such as tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops, compound tropicamide eye drops, and sodium hyaluronate eye drops as instructed to prevent infection, control inflammation, and relieve ocular discomfort.
During treatment, corresponding measures should be taken according to the specific cause to improve vision and promote visual development. In daily life, maintaining good eye habits helps prevent amblyopia.
