For proper sight, it is necessary for the eyes to operate in unison with each other and with the brain. When this process doesn’t function properly, a condition called amblyopia, or lazy eye, can occur. In the majority of instances of ambylopia the eyes themselves are typically healthy but the condition cannot be corrected by just glasses. Left not treated appropriately lazy eye can cause serious visual impairment, including loss of sight in that eye.

Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment in children. Since it usually starts as an early childhood developmental issue, the disorder can be difficult to detect. Unless it is adequately treated early on, the chance of full recovery is diminished. Patients that don’t start to be treated until they are teenagers or adults often experience that it can take far longer and is less effective.

This is why it is crucial to have your child’s vision tested at a young age. The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive a complete eye exam by the age of half a year and again by age three.

What Causes Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?

Lazy eye can be caused by a number of conditions that affect normal eye and vision development. The most common cause is strabismus, a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned. Strabismus can cause the eyes to cross in (esotropia) or turn out (exotropia) and therefore aren’t able to work together. Lazy eye can also be caused by a condition where one eye is more nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic than the other eye. This condition is called anisometropia. Occasionally, amblyopia is caused by other optical diseases such as cataracts or some other anatomical cause.

How is Amblyopia Treated?

Treating lazy eye aims to achieve normal binocular vision. In addition to using prescription eyeglasses or contacts, one of the most common approaches requires forcing the patient to use the weaker eye. A few treatment options exist to do this and the treatment is selected according to the individual situation and the decision of the eye care professional.

Frequently you will see patching, where a patch is used to cover the better eye. The patient is then forced to use the weak eye, which promotes vision in the weak eye and assists the visual processing system to develop more completely. Nevertheless this treatment is dependent upon cooperation of the patient to wear the patch, which can be difficult with many children.

An alternative to patching is the use of a drug known as atropine. When a drop of atropine is applied to the good eye, this will temporarily blur the vision to stimulate the use of the other eye.

Alternatives to these treatments include vision therapy to train the eyes to work together as a team and sometimes a surgical procedure to straighten out the alignment of the eyes. Specialized contacts or other aides to improve vision may also be used.

Since amblyopia involves a disruption in the proper development of the visual system, the younger the age of treatment, the higher the chance of success. Still, there are many factors that are involved and therefore anyone who suspects they or their child has lazy eye should schedule an appointment as soon as possible with their optometrist If you are in need of amblyopia management in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, be in touch to book a visit. The sooner accurate diagnosis and treatment are underway, the sooner we can help restore your sight!