Can amblyopia be treated with contact lenses?

In general, whether patients with amblyopia can wear contact lenses depends on individual circumstances. For those with monocular amblyopia and a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes, contact lenses may be used under medical guidance. However, they are typically not recommended for young children or individuals with poor ocular conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For patients with monocular amblyopia, if the difference in refractive error between the two eyes exceeds 300 degrees, wearing eyeglasses may cause difficulty in binocular image fusion and worsen eye strain. In such cases, custom-made contact lenses can reduce the difference in retinal image size, help establish binocular vision, and improve visual acuity in the amblyopic eye when combined with occlusion therapy.

Children under the age of 8 generally have poor hand-eye coordination and are unable to independently clean, insert, or remove contact lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections. Additionally, patients with severe dry eye syndrome, keratitis, or other eye diseases should avoid wearing contact lenses, as this may exacerbate ocular damage and increase the risk of complications.

Amblyopic patients who wear contact lenses must strictly follow medical instructions: replace lens solution daily, clean lenses regularly to prevent contamination, avoid prolonged wear, and always remove lenses before bedtime. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor changes in vision and ocular health, along with consistent adherence to amblyopia rehabilitation training.