Strabismus Vs Amblyopia: A Comprehensive Analysis

Have you ever noticed someone’s eyes not aligning properly or heard of a “lazy eye”? These are common terms for two distinct eye conditions: strabismus and amblyopia. Terms like strabismus and amblyopia can often be confused to be the same. These two eye health conditions can create confusion because they have almost the same symptoms and impact the person’s vision. So, understanding the difference between strabismus vs. amblyopia becomes extremely important.

These two health conditions have subtle differences, which are very significant. This blog will thoroughly analyse the differences between strabismus and amblyopia. We will also understand how you can treat these health conditions.

A] Understanding Amblyopia And Strabismus

Before we move on to the differences between amblyopia and strabismus, let us first understand what these two conditions are:

1. Amblyopia 

Amblyopia is commonly known as the lazy eye. It is a vision development disorder where one eye fails to achieve a normal visual acuity. This disorder can persist even after the use of prescription glasses.

Amblyopia usually begins when a person is in his infancy and early childhood. The brain prioritises the stronger eye, neglecting the weaker eye’s input. So, there is a decrease in the visual input from the weaker eye.

Symptoms Of Amblyopia

The below-mentioned are the common symptoms of amblyopia.

• Poor depth perception
• Squinting one eye
• Head tilting
• Eyes that appear to work independently

2. Strabismus

Strabismus is the condition of crossed eyes that occurs when the eyes do not align properly. There is a misalignment between both eyes when looking at an object. The misalignment can be constant or can occur only sometimes.

Strabismus can affect one or both eyes. This eye health condition occurs because the brain receives two different images due to misalignment. So, a person might experience double vision or even suppression of one image. A person might have to opt for a squint eye treatment to fix this problem.

Symptoms Of Strabismus

Let us take a look at the symptoms of strabismus:

• Misaligned eyes
• Double vision
• Difficulty with depth perception
• Eyestrain or headaches

B] What Is The Difference Between Strabismus And Amblyopia

Now that we know basics about strabismus and amblyopia let us explore the differences between strabismus and amblyopia.

1. Types 

The primary difference between amblyopia and strabismus is their types. Usually, amblyopia is of three kinds.

• Refractive Amblyopia: It arises due to unequal refractive errors in both eyes.
• Strabismic Amblyopia: It is a situation where the brain ignores the visual input from the misaligned eye.
• Deprivation Amblyopia: It results from an obstruction that prevents light from entering and being focused in a child’s retina, such as a cataract.

The below-mentioned are the main types of strabismus (squint eyes) disorders.

• Esotropia: In this case, one or both eyes turn inward.
• Exotropia: Exotropia occurs when one or both eyes turn outward.
• Hypertropia: It results from one eye being higher than the other.
• Hypotropia: Hypotropia occurs when one eye is lower than the other.

2. Causes

Amblyopia and strabismus can develop due to various causes.

Causes Of Amblyopia

• Strabismus: Generally, amblyopia is the result of the strabismus. It happens when there is a misalignment of the eyes.
• Refractive errors: If there is a significant difference in the prescription strength between both eyes, it can lead to amblyopia.
• Visual deprivation: A person experiencing visual deprivation can also suffer from these eye problems. Generally, conditions like cataracts can block vision in one eye.

Causes Of Strabismus

• Genetic factors: Sometimes, people experience strabismus because of genetic factors. If there is a family history of strabismus, an individual is more likely to suffer from this condition.
• Refractive errors: Uncorrected longsightedness can also lead to strabismus. Refractive errors can cause the eyes to cross.
• Muscle imbalances: Sometimes, weakness or imbalance in the muscles controlling eye movement can lead to strabismus.

3. Symptoms 

Amblyopia and strabismus also differ in symptoms.

Symptoms Of Amblyopia

• Blurry vision in one eye
• Poor depth perception
• Wandering eye
• Head tilting

Symptoms Of Strabismus

• Misalignment of the eyes
• Double vision
• Eyestrain
• Headaches

4. Treatment

There is also a slight difference between amblyopia vs. strabismus treatment. Let us look at how you can treat both of these conditions.

Treatment For Amblyopia

• Corrective Eyewear: The ophthalmologist might recommend wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct any refractive errors in the eye. It will help in reducing the effect of amblyopia.
• Patching: Sometimes, the doctors recommend covering the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to work harder. It is an excellent treatment to treat amblyopia.
• Atropine Drops: Atropine drops can help blur the vision in the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker eye.

Treatment For Strabismus

• Glasses: Glasses are the best way to correct any minor and underlying refractive errors in the eye.
• Prism Lenses: Doctors might suggest using special lenses like prism lenses to reduce the instances of double vision.
• Vision Therapy: You can opt for vision therapy exercises to treat strabismus. These exercises can help improve eye coordination and focus.
• Surgery: You might also have to opt for surgery to adjust the muscles around the eyes for better alignment.

C] Role Of Paediatric Ophthalmology In Treating Strabismus And Amblyopia

Pediatric ophthalmologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating strabismus and amblyopia. They can also better help you understand the difference between strabismus and amblyopia. Early detection is vital because the brain’s adaptability in children allows for more effective treatment.

Pediatric ophthalmologists can provide comprehensive care to your child. They can prescribe corrective lenses, conduct vision therapy, and perform necessary surgeries. Their expertise ensures that children receive the appropriate interventions to improve their vision and overall eye health.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between strabismus and amblyopia is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Generally, strabismus involves the misalignment of the eyes. On the other hand, amblyopia is characterised by reduced vision in one eye due to the brain favouring the other.

Individuals can significantly improve their vision and quality of life by recognising conditions early and seeking treatment for amblyopia or strabismus. If you suspect any issues with your or your child’s vision, don’t hesitate to visit an eye clinic in Adelaide for professional advice and treatment. Contact us and book an appointment now!

Dr. Swati Sinkar

Dr. Swati Sinkar is a dedicated and experienced General Ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract surgery, Pterygium surgery, eyelid malpositions, glaucoma treatment, Macular degeneration treatment, and paediatric ophthalmic conditions. She has been extensively trained in Australia and overseas and was awarded a Fellowship from RANZCO in 2015. Passionate about preventing paediatric blindness, she established neonatal screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Northern Adelaide at Lyell McEwin Hospital. Dr. Sinkar mentors trainees, teaches internationally, and values evidence-based medicine, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. Outside work, she enjoys cooking, travel, cricket, and badminton.