Lazy eye (amblyopia) in children

What is lazy eye?

Lazy eye is reduced vision in an eye that did not develop normal vision in childhood. The eye looks structurally normal, but glasses alone do not correct the vision. Children do not notice it, so every child should have an eye examination even without symptoms.

Causes

• Squint (strabismus)
• Unequal or high refractive error between the two eyes (long-sightedness, astigmatism, short-sightedness)
• Anything that blocks vision: ptosis (droopy eyelid) that covers the visual axis and causes lazy eye, or cataract

The earlier it is picked up, especially before the age of nine, the more successful treatment is.

Treatment

• Correcting the cause: First, the necessary glasses are given. If ptosis covering the visual axis or a cataract is present, surgery is planned without delay.
• Patching: The better eye is covered under the glasses so that no light gets through; close-up activities help during this time. The eye doctor decides how long.
• Atropine drops: As an alternative to patching, drops are put in the better eye; this blurs its vision and encourages the lazy eye to work.
• If there is a squint: Lazy eye is usually treated first, then surgery is planned.