Is Lazy-Eye ( Amblyopia) Treatable?

In order to answer that question accurately, we must first define what Amblyopia is. Amblyopia is defined as: a condition noted by reduced vision which is not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. Basically it means that for some reason, the brain is not fully accepting or acknowledging the information from one of the eyes. Amblyopia is basically a condition of the brain, which may suppress blurry or double images coming from the eye.

Amblyopia usually occurs between birth and six years of age, which is considered a critical time period for the development of proper vision. Its causes may include Strabismus or the constant turning in of one eye, Anisometropia which is different vision/prescriptions in each eye, and/or a blockage of an eye caused by a trauma, cataract or drooping eyelid.

Amblyopia usually occurs in one eye only, causing many parents and children to be unaware of the condition. Many children compensate for the loss of vision with their good eye and go undiagnosed until they have their eyes examined at the eye doctor's office at a later age. It is vital to have full visual exams for your infants and pre-school aged children.

What about treatment?

Recent medical research has shown that Amblyopia is successfully treated up to the age of 17. New developments are promising improvement of vision in older patients, but the best course of action still remains early detection and treatment.

The Staff at Pediatric Eye Associates can help with early diagnosis and treatment options, please contact our office with any questions you may have regarding your child’s vision.