Untreated amblyopia in adults

The risks of not treating

If amblyopia is not treated promptly, children may continue to suffer from the visual impairment that amblyopia can cause as adults. 

Untreated amblyopia can lead to:

• Loss of visual acuity in the lazy eye due to less use

• Loss or deterioration of binocular vision resulting in poor depth perception

• An increased risk of vision loss in the good eye

People with amblyopia are twice as likely to develop a visual impairment later in life. That chance is 18% for people with amblyopia and 10% for people with healthy eyes. Some of them run the risk of losing their sight completely.

Lower quality of life

The symptoms of amblyopia are experienced by many people mainly during daily activities such as driving, climbing stairs or playing sports. It can contribute to reduced fine motor skills and lower mobility later in life.

Some people who suffer from amblyopia report a lower quality of life. This can be caused by feelings of fear (for example, losing sight), but also by frustration, depression, fewer social contacts and a negative self-image. 

The fact that amblyopia is a condition that has been present since childhood may also play a role. The consequences are felt for a long time and in some cases someone has been bullied at a young age for wearing an eye patch.

Career Opportunities

In addition to the psychosocial consequences that some people experience, amblyopia can lead to a reduced career perspective. The effects of amblyopia make them less suitable for certain jobs and some are even excluded from participation in the labor market.

Various categories of professions require good eyesight. Sometimes specific requirements are made for eyesight and there are company inspections. 

When eyesight is tested, the following is taken into account, among other things:

• the ability to distinguish colors

• how well someone can see in the dark

• how big the field of view is

• the perception of depth

• distinguishing contrasts

Good depth perception is often a requirement for performing certain tasks properly and safely. Think of driving a car, operating large equipment such as forklifts or cranes and piloting airplanes and trains. 

The options for performing these professions are limited, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Economic impact

On society as a whole, amblyopia has an economic impact. There are direct and indirect medical costs and there is a potential loss of productivity because people cannot participate fully in the labor market.

Finally

In developed countries, there is no need to leave amblyopia untreated, there are good treatment methods available that can help improve vision. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of successful recovery.