Amblyopia or "Lazy Eye"
Lazy Eye is a common term used to describe a
condition where one eye sees poorly (can't see 20/20) even with eyeglasses or
contact lenses. The proper medical term for this condition is Amblyopia. The
term "lazy eye" is also mistakenly used to describe an eye turn or crossed eyes
(Strabismus). This is inaccurate.
A crossed eye can cause Amblyopia, but it is
not necessarily a "Lazy Eye."
Lazy Eye can develop in childhood due to --
--an obstruction of vision within one eye due to injury or disease;
--significant differences between the clearness of the images seen by each eye due to farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism;
--misaligned eyes or crossed eyes (strabismus)
When the clarity or alignment of the images from the two eyes is very different, or if the child sees double, the brain may begin to ignore the vision in one eye. This can result in amblyopia. The favored eye compensates for the "lazy eye," so the child with amblyopia may not be aware of the problem until the better eye is covered.
It is important to note that amblyopia can be present when there is no physical problem with the eye itself. Disease or injury are just a few of the possible causes of amblyopia. There are many reasons why a person may develop amblyopia. It is important that a doctor determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Amblyopia
Amblyopia is generally treatable even after age eight, although the
earlier the problem is found and treated, the more successful the outcome.
Treatment may include --
--eyeglasses or contact lenses (proper lenses can help reduce stress so that the under-used eye can start to work more efficiently);
--forcing the weaker eye to work by blocking or fogging the favored eye with special lenses, an eye patch or eye drops;
--a program of Vision Therapy to help equalize vision in both eyes, improve eye coordination, and restore clear single vision.
Additional Links
Optometric Clinical Practice Guideline for the Care of the Patient with
Amblyopia
100 North Rancho Road, Suite #1
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Phone (805)495-3937 Fax (805)373-9843
E-Mail