Amblyopie chez l'enfant

Amblyopia is the most frequent aetiology of unilateral poor vision in childhood. It is related to abnormal development during the first years of life. Some cases are secondary to a malformation of the globe, but most of the amblyopias are functional, related to a refractive error or strabismus. Early detection is essential to the success of the treatment. This treatment has to be undertaken before the age of seven, and the paediatrician is the first-line actor in the detection of amblyopia. As soon the first months of life, observation of a strabismus, a nystagmus, and some simple examination signs must lead to an ophthalmologic examination in order to exclude any organic disease and to begin a treatment. In older children, vision testing with optotypes is simple and efficient for the detection of amblyopia. Basic of treatment principales are the correction of any refractive trouble by spectacles, patching of the good eye and penalization methods.