Whilst amblyopia is first and foremost characterized by decreased visual acuity, it is not only visual acuity that may be impacted in children with a lazy eye. The deficits of contrast sensitivity and binocular visual function, which was already discussed in one of our previous posts, are often the reason that amblyopia also influences psychomotor and reading skills in the affected individuals.
Visual acuity is not the only modality that defines healthy vision
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and binocular visual function (stereopsis) are all important modalities that define a healthy vision. If any of them is in any way faulty, an individual may experience difficulties in psychomotor skills and reading problems. This is usually most apparent in eye-hand coordination, which might diminish one’s ability to perform fine motoring skills, such as reaching and manipulating of static or moving objects, writing, trimming, coloring, or any other task that requires fine motor coordination. Due to hindered saccadic or fixation movements and accommodation, children with lazy eye sometimes also experience hampered reading skills and difficulties in reading and copying from the blackboard.
Eye-hand coordination and reading skills usually improve when amblyopia improves
Studies show that functional modalities such as eye-hand coordination and the ability to execute fine motoring tasks, as well as reading, do improve when amblyopia itself is improved. It was also shown that the so-called active treatments improve those modalities at least as well as patching and refractive correction. It is therefore important that children who suffer from deficits in eye-hand coordination and reading performance also perform some of those exercises, in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. Studies also show that psychomotor disturbances in children with amblyopia may affect their daily life. Hence, it is crucial to address amblyopia, and the accompanying psychomotor disturbances, as soon as possible and as effective as possible. Only so will the kids be able to make the most of their intellectual capacity.
So then, if you find your kid anywhere in this description do not hesitate and enable them all the benefits of vision training with Amblyoplay from the safety of your own home.