Strabismus and amblyopia are two of the most common childhood eye conditions. Although they’re often associated with wearing an eye patch, there are therapeutic alternatives that can improve vision more effectively and comfortably. At Enfoca’t, we’d like to explain what these conditions involve.
What are strabismus and amblyopia?
- Strabismus: a misalignment of the eyes—one may turn inward, outward, up, or down. This can affect depth perception and binocular vision
- Amblyopia: commonly known as “lazy eye,” it occurs when one eye doesn’t develop properly during childhood. This affects visual acuity and overall quality of vision
Traditionally, amblyopia was treated with an eye patch, covering the “good” eye to make the weaker eye work. However, we now know that patching alone isn’t always enough.
Vision therapy is a comprehensive approach that trains the eyes—individually and together—to improve coordination, acuity, and visual perception. This helps achieve:
- Better binocular vision: both eyes work in a coordinated way, leading to higher-quality, more stable, and more comfortable vision
- Reduced reliance on patching: in many cases, dependence on a traditional patch can be decreased or eliminated
- Long-term results: when personalized and supervised, vision therapy can significantly improve vision and help prevent future problems
At Enfoca’t, vision therapy is delivered through specific, individualized exercises that may include:
- Games and activities that strengthen hand–eye coordination
- Focusing and visual-tracking exercises
- Visual stimulation to train acuity, enhance sensitivity, and improve depth perception
- Techniques to effectively integrate both eyes, improving binocular vision
Treatment is gradual, motivating, and tailored to the patient’s age, always aiming for maximum comfort and adherence.
When to see a specialist
It’s important to consult an optometrist specialized in vision therapy if you notice any signs of strabismus or amblyopia, such as:
- Eyes that cross or drift consistently
- Excessive blinking, winking, or furrowing the brow when looking into the distance
- Occasionally closing one eye
- Difficulty reading or tracking moving objects
- Frequent complaints of eye strain or headaches in children
Early detection significantly increases the effectiveness of therapy and the potential for long-term visual improvement.
At Enfoca’t, we combine technology and professional expertise to offer individualized treatment plans that help each patient strengthen their visual system. Book an appointment and discover how vision therapy can transform your children’s vision—or that of any patient with visual difficulties.
Visit us at Carrer de Vilamarí, 26 – Sant Antoni, Barcelona.
