Lazy eye (amblyopia)

Description Lazy eye (amblyopia...

Description

Lazy eye (amblyopia) is a problem with vision in young growing children. In this condition, one eye does not see as well as the other. As the brain develops, it creates pathways that tell the brain how to get the pictures from the eyes. Over time, if the condition is not corrected, the brain will ignore the eye with vision problems and get all information from the normal eye. This can result in permanent visual loss in the abnormal eye.

Symptoms

Children with this disorder often do not have any specific complaints. However, parents may notice crossed eyes, squinting or that the child holds their head in an awkward manner when trying to see an object.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can be made with a thorough eye exam that documents the decreased vision in one eye relative to the other eye.

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice

Treatment

Treatment is directed at improving vision and strengthening the weak eye. Corrective lenses are frequently prescribed. Surgery may be considered if there are abnormalities of the eye muscles that require correction. A patch or eye drops are frequently applied to the strong eye to force the child to develop the weak eye.