Adults who had amblyopia in childhood, commonly known as lazy eye, may face higher chances of high blood pressure, excess body weight, and metabolic challenges later in life. This connection has been observed in a large study from the United Kingdom and reported in medical literature. The finding suggests a notable association between a history of amblyopia and certain adult health outcomes, even after accounting for other factors such as overall health, income, and ethnicity. The study highlights that the risk is more pronounced among those who currently have poor vision in one eye.
In the study, researchers examined data from over 126,000 adults aged between 40 and 69. Among 3,238 participants who reported amblyopia in childhood, a substantial majority showed poor vision in one eye. The analysis found that a history of amblyopia was linked to a 29 percent higher risk of developing diabetes, a 25 percent higher risk of hypertension, and a 16 percent higher risk of obesity. The researchers also noted an elevated risk of heart attack among amblyopia survivors, even after adjustments for various demographic and health factors. These heightened risks were especially evident in individuals with poorer eyesight.
Ambyopia, a condition where the brain does not adequately learn to process visual information from one eye, affects about four out of every one hundred people. In the United Kingdom, children routinely undergo vision screening by age five to identify amblyopia early and guide treatment. Early detection and treatment can include methods such as patching, corrective lenses, or vision therapy, with the goal of improving binocular vision and reducing long term visual impairment.
Scientists caution that the study does not prove that amblyopia causes poor health in adulthood. It shows an association that warrants further research to understand potential underlying factors and mechanisms. The observed links may reflect shared risk factors or developmental influences on both eye health and metabolic or cardiovascular outcomes. The results nonetheless underscore the importance of monitoring general health in individuals who had amblyopia as children and maintaining proactive management of risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This could include regular screening for blood pressure, glucose levels, and weight, combined with lifestyle strategies that support heart and metabolic health. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that early-life health conditions can be associated with later health trajectories and reinforces the value of integrated care that considers eye health as part of overall well being. This perspective aligns with a broader view of health where sensory and systemic conditions are interconnected rather than isolated events in a single organ system.