My daughter was diagnosed with amblyopia at 6, patched for a year with little improvement. Has worn glasses, sporadically as she dosen’t like to wear them. She had an exam with a new doctor yesterday. (we recently moved) She was 20/20 in the left eye, 20/200 in the right. The doctor said not to bother with the glasses as they aren’t helping her at all. Suggested goggles for physical activity.She has been struggling in school this year, 3rd grade, we thought it was due to the move, but now I am questioning if the poor vision is to blame. My question is„ is amblyopia considered a learning disorder or the cause of her lower grades? Should she be given consideration as “disabled” due to the poor vision. I was googling today and found a doctor who does vision therapy. Does anyone have any opinions on this or have a child with similar situation who benefited? Thanks.
Re: amblyopia, vision therapy
Hi Shgilmore,
It will no doubt cause difficulties with learning.
Where the main factor is its effect on depth perception.
Though I also noticed that it is her right eye, where I would ask if she is right-handed?
As we also have a dominant eye side as well, which could add to the difficulties.
But the crucial issue, is that amblyopia can often be corrected. Though their is only a limited oppportunity, which runs out somewhere between the age of 6 to 9.
After this, it is permanent.
The goggles suggested, are one of the most effective devices.
Does she have refractive error or reduced clarity?
Geoff,
While not quite that severe, both of my kids have had vision issues over the years. One did very well with vision therapy and glasses. The other one is doing better with glasses, didn’t do well with vision therapy but also has Irlen Syndrome and needs modified lighting and colored papers.
It is very possible that the vision difficulties are causing your dd’s school issues. If you can’t see or can’t see comfortably it effects how you perform in school. You can request that she be tested. Visual impairment is considered a disability and there are things that can be done to accommodate her vision issues.