What is Lazy Eye?

For adequate vision, the eyes and the brain must operate in cooperation. When this process doesnt function properly, the result can be amblyopia or lazy eye. With the majority of cases of lazy eye the actual eyes are typically healthy however the condition is not correctable by just eyeglasses. Left untreated lazy eye can result in severe visual impairment, even blindness in one eye.

Amblyopia is the most frequently diagnosed vision disorder in children. Usually beginning in the developmental stages of infancy, the condition can be challenging to detect. The earlier a diagnosis is made and treatment begins the greater the chances of complete recovery. Treatment usually works faster and more effectively for patients who begin before adolescence.

Therefore it is crucial to have your childs eyes and vision checked at an early age. According to the AOA (American Optometric Association) children should receive a complete optometric exam at half a year and again at three years of age.

Causes of Lazy Eye

Lazy eye may be caused by a number of conditions that affect typical eye and vision development. One common cause is strabismus, a condition where the eyes are improperly aligned. Such misalignment results in eyes that cross in (estropia) or turn out (exotropia) and therefore arent able to work together. Sometimes amblyopia is caused when the eyes have different levels of acuity. This is the result of a condition called anisometropia. Occasionally, lazy eye is caused by other eye conditions such as a cataract or some other pathological cause.

How is Amblyopia Treated?

Lazy eye is treated by efforts to attain normal visual acuity to both eyes. Along with the use of prescription lenses, the most common way to do this entails strengthening the weaker eye by occluding the stronger. A few treatment options exist to occlude the better eye and the treatment plan is prescribed according to the individual situation anda consultation with an eye doctor.

Frequently you will see a patch used to cover the better eye. The patient is then compelled to use the weak eye, which promotes vision in the weaker eye and assists the visual processing system to develop more completely. Nevertheless success with patching is dependant upon cooperation of the patient to use the patch, which can be a problem with many children.

Some eye care professionals opt to use atropine. When applied to the stronger eye, atropine drops blur the sight to stimulate the preference of the weaker eye.

Some patients can be treated by vision aides alone, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that improve vision in each eye, however this is rare. Further, vision therapy to teach the eyes to operate together or in some cases surgery might also be suggested.

Because amblyopia involves a problem with the vision process, younger patients often show more success with treatment. Still, there have been many instances where teenage patients completed successful treatment and therefore anyone who suspects they or their child has lazy eye should consult immediately with their optometrist If you are in need of lazy eye consultation in Miami Beach, FL, contact us to book an appointment. The sooner accurate diagnosis and treatment are started, the sooner we can begin to restore your sight!