Amblyopia (lazy eye) uncovered

Symptoms of amblyopia

While some people may display outward signs of the condition, such as an eye that wanders or appears unable to focus, many lazy eye symptoms can fly under the radar. Commonly reported symptoms include reduced vision in the affected eye, depth perception issues, squinting, shutting one eye, and frequent head tilting. Unfortunately, kids don’t always have a standard for seeing clearly – especially if they’ve struggled with vision issues for some time. As a result, they often won’t voice concern about these symptoms. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is always the best way to uncover any potential vision problems!

Causes of amblyopia

Muscle imbalance is a common cause of lazy eye. When the muscles that position the eyes are uneven, it can be difficult for the eyes to work together cohesively. Common vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, can lead to lazy eye if not treated with glasses or contacts. Additional risk factors include premature birth, small size at birth, a family history of lazy eye, and developmental disabilities. In truth, any condition that causes a child’s vision to blur or causes their eyes to cross can result in lazy eye. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular eye exams for your family!

Treating amblyopia

Lazy eye treatment is dependent upon the symptoms someone is experiencing, as well as the root cause of the condition. In most cases, glasses can help correct the disparity between the eyes, which is why getting regular eye exams is important, especially among children. Some healthcare professionals recommend eye patches for use on the stronger eye, which will force the brain to make use of the weaker eye. Over time, this can create balance between the eyes. A similar treatment involves the use of eye drops containing atropine. When put into the stronger eye, these drops temporarily hinder its ability to see clearly. Again, this will force the brain to use the eye affected by the condition, thus strengthening it.

Early detection of amblyopia

Early diagnosis of amblyopia and early treatment of underlying eye conditions are the keys to preventing long-term problems. It’s important to always monitor your child for signs of vision problems, so you can be ready to act quickly. The most reliable way to defend against lazy eye is to get regular eye exams – especially during childhood.

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