A lazy eye (amblyopia) is a condition of impaired eyesight that cannot be fully attributed to structural abnormalities of the eyes and cannot be corrected with appropriate eyeglasses. This condition occurs as a result of abnormal vision development in early childhood. It can affect one or both eyes.
Causes
Any eye diseases that cause vision impairment and disrupt vision development in early childhood can cause lazy eyes. The most common cause of these diseases is eye misalignment (strabismus). Other common diseases include high nearsightedness (myopia), high farsightedness (hyperopia), high astigmatism, droopy eyelid, and congenital cataracts.
Symptoms
The eyesight in one or both eyes is impaired despite correcting associated structural abnormalities of the eyes and using appropriate eyeglasses.
When to see the doctor
Please ask for an evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist if your child has blurry vision or symptoms of aforementioned diseases that may lead to the development of lazy eye such as eye misalignment, droopy eyelid, white pupil, difficulty tracking objects visually, and difficulty maintaining steady gaze.
Prevention
There is no specific measure to prevent the development of lazy eye. However, early diagnosis and timely treatment of this condition can prevent permanent loss of vision.
Diagnosis
Complete eye examination including a vision screening by a pediatric ophthalmologist is recommended to accurately diagnose lazy eye.
Treatment
Treatment modalities for amblyopia include
- Wearing appropriate eyeglasses
- Wearing an eye patch over the healthy eye to stimulate vision development in the lazy eye.
- Applying cycloplegic eye drops to temporarily impair vision in the healthy eye in order to stimulate vision development in the lazy eye.
Regardless of the treatment modalities, timely intervention is crucial for prevention of permanent visual loss. The treatment of lazy eye is most effective at an early stage of disease, preferable before 6-8 years old.
