A recent study has found a connection between amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” in children and an increased risk of various health issues later in life. The research, conducted by scientists at University College London, reveals a surprising correlation between eye conditions and health problems in adulthood, although a definitive causal relationship is still being investigated.
Lazy eye occurs when vision in one eye does not develop properly, often due to a squint or farsightedness. It is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition resulting from a breakdown in the coordination between the brain and the affected eye, making it challenging for the brain to process visual signals correctly. Since it usually leads to reduced vision in one eye, many children may not notice any issues until a vision test is conducted around the ages of four to five.
The study analyzed data from over 126,000 participants aged 40 to 69, gathered from the UK Biobank. Participants were asked about their history of amblyopia treatment in childhood and the presence of the condition in adulthood, along with relevant medical diagnoses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.
Results showed that individuals who had lazy eye as children had a higher likelihood of developing diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a risk of heart attack in adulthood. Even after considering other potential risk factors, the increased health risks remained significant.
The study highlighted that amblyopia affects up to four in 100 children and emphasized the importance of early vision screening for prompt diagnosis and treatment. While the research does not establish a direct cause-effect relationship between lazy eye and adult health problems, it underscores the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles from childhood to reduce the risk of future health issues.
Overall, the findings suggest that vision problems in childhood, such as amblyopia, may be indicative of potential health risks in adulthood, emphasizing the need for regular vision screening and proactive health management.
