Amblyopia and the pediatrician.

Amblyopia is one of the most common and significant eye ailments in children. It is classified into organic and functional; functional is further divided into classifications of deprivation, strabismic, and refractive. Early diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance. Diagnostic techniques are age-related. Treatment consists of eliminating associated defects, properly focusing the image on the retina (glasses or contact lens), and patching the good eye to force the child to use the amblyopic eye. Treatment may only be effective within the first 2 or 3 months of life for some conditions and later in childhood for other conditions. Amblyopia can recur up to age 9. The pediatrician has the heavy responsibility of recognizing amblyopia at an early enough age to allow for effective treatment. Nationwide there are many pediatric ophthalmologists available to institute this early, effective treatment. With this teamwork, we can help eliminate the most common cause of visual impairment in the pediatric patient.