Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment for Lazy Eye
Amblyopia, more commonly referred to as “lazy eye,” is a common vision disorder that usually emerges during early childhood. While it can be disconcerting for parents who have noticed their child may be suffering from this condition, there are effective treatment options available.
What is Amblyopia, or Lazy Eye?
This vision disorder develops early on in childhood. It occurs when one eye is stronger than the other, having notably superior visual acuity. This leads to the brain favoring the stronger eye over the other. As a result, the weakened eye experiences insufficient visual stimulation, which then impedes its normal development. This weaker eye is referred to as the “lazy eye.”
Can Something Cause Lazy Eye?
The most common cause of amblyopia is an imbalance in the muscles that position the eyes. This imbalance, known as strabismus or crossed eyes, prevents both eyes from working together. The brain may suppress images from one eye to avoid double vision.
Another common cause are refractive errors. A significant difference in vision between both eyes, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, can contribute to amblyopia. Also, cataracts or other eye health issues that cause an obstruction or deprivation in clear image formation in one eye during early childhood can also lead to lazy eye. This type of amblyopia is often the most severe type.
There are also some risk factors associated with an increased risk of lazy eye, including:
- Premature birth
- Small size at birth
- Family history of amblyopia
- Developmental disabilities
Identifying Amblyopia in Children and Adults
Detecting amblyopia early is crucial for effective treatment. Left untreated, lazy eye can cause permanent vision loss. However, regular eye exams for children is essential to catching amblyopia in its early stages. Your doctor will conduct an eye exam, checking for overall eye health and vision acuity. For preverbal children, a lighted magnifying device can be used to detect cataracts, and other tests can be done to assess their ability to fix their gaze and follow a moving object. For children 3 and older, tests using pictures or letters can assess their vision, with one eye covered in turn to test the other.
Signs and symptoms of lazy eye include:
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Poor depth perception
- Difficulty with activities that require coordination, such as catching a ball
- Tilted head or turning of the face to one side
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your child’s eye doctor right away.
Amblyopia Treatment Options
There are multiple treatment options available. The key is to treat as soon as possible, while the connections between the eye and brain are still forming. The best results occur when treatment starts before age 7, though half of children ages 7 to 17 respond to treatment as well.
Treatment options include:
- Corrective lenses – to help correct refractive errors.
- Eye patching or atropine eye drops – the stronger eye is patched or blurred with atropine eye drops, forcing the brain to rely on the weaker eye and to stimulate its development.
- Vision therapy – which involves exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination and strengthen the eye-brain connection.
- Corrective surgery – in cases where strabismus is the cause, surgery may be recommended to realign the eyes.
Work with Your Local Amblyopia Experts!
At Black Diamond Eye Care, we prioritize personalized and compassionate care. Our experienced eye care professionals are adept at diagnosing and treating amblyopia, or lazy eye, tailoring care and treatment to a patient’s unique needs.
We strive to create a supportive and comfortable environment for children and adults undergoing lazy eye treatment and are committed to enhancing your vision health. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward healthier, clearer vision!
