Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

 

Causes: Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a loss of vision or lack of development of central vision in one eye caused by inadequate use during early childhood. Amblyopia may develop from conditions such as a squint or strabismus (eyes not positioned straight), congenital cataract, uncorrected high near-sightedness (myopia) or far-sightedness (hyperopia) in one eye or both eyes and severe ptosis (droopy eyelids).

Symptoms: While symptoms are not always obvious, they typically appear during early childhood and may include:

• Noticeably favoring one eye
• Eye turning in, out or up
• Closing of one eye
• Squint
• Headaches or eyestrain

Diagnosis and Treatment: Comprehensive eye exams during childhood are highly recommended and can lead to the diagnosis of ablyopia at an early age increasing the chance for a complete recovery. The most effective treatment is to encourage the use of the ablyopia eye, which may include using a combination of prescription lenses, prisms, vision therapy and eye patching.