Lazy eyes are something that effects many people every year, with more than 200,000 US cases every year it is a very common condition so it is important to stay educated on what you can do to treat and prevent this eye disorder. There’s nothing to feel bad about for having a lazy eye, in fact there are many celebrities and actors with lazy eye, but its always best to do what you can to prevent and treat any eye disorder. You’re in luck because this blog post will cover all the information you need to guide you through amblyopia.
What is a Lazy Eye?
Reduced vision in one eye, often known as lazy eye (amblyopia), is brought on by early aberrant visual development. The lazy or weaker eye tends to stray inward or forth more frequently. Amblyopia often occurs from birth up until the age of seven. It is the main factor contributing to children’s declining vision. Rarely do both eyes experience a lazy eye.
Signs of a Lazy Eye:
Amblyopia symptoms might be difficult to identify. Children who suffer amblyopia may have impaired depth perception, making it difficult for them to gauge how close or far something is. Parents may also observe the following indicators that their child is having trouble seeing clearly:
- Squinting
- Shutting one eye
- Tilting head to see better
Frequently, amblyopia is not recognized by parents until a doctor identifies it during an eye exam. For this reason, it’s crucial that all children receive a vision screening at least once between the ages of 3 and 5.
Causes of Lazy Eye:
The reason of amblyopia is frequently unknown to medical professionals. But occasionally, a different vision issue can cause amblyopia.
In order to see, the brain typically needs nerve signals from both eyes. However, the brain might make an effort to compensate if an eye problem makes the vision in 1 eye worse. It begins to rely only on the stronger eye and “switch off” signals from the weaker eye.
Amblyopia may result from a number of eye disorders, including:
- Refractive issues: These include astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, which are typical vision issues. Nearsightedness is the inability to see clearly up close (which can cause blurry vision). Usually, correcting these issues is simple with glasses or contacts. The brain may begin to rely more on the eye with better vision if they are not corrected, though.
- Strabismus: The eyes typically move in unison when moving. But the eyes don’t line up in children with strabismus. One eye may float upward, downward, in or out.
- Cataract: As a result, the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and appears to be blurry. Even while older adults tend to develop cataracts more frequently, newborns and children can also get them.
Can You Prevent Lazy Eye?
Amblyopia and the accompanying vision issues that may lead to it cannot be avoided. However, you can prevent it from getting worse or leading to long-term issues. Getting routine eye exams is the greatest method to stop amblyopia from causing vision loss. By the age of 6 months and again by the age of 3 years, make sure your child has had a comprehensive eye examination.
Can Lazy Eye be Corrected?
Amblyopia can be treated with eye patches, spectacles, atropine eye drops, vision therapy, and surgery. The most typical therapy for a lazy eye is the application of an eye patch to cover the stronger eye. It has a chance to become stronger and communicate with the brain more as a result of having to use the weaker eye.
How to Train a Lazy Eye
Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and orthoptists may assign at-home eye exercises as homework as a component of a vision therapy treatment plan. For strabismus, amblyopia, and other eye problems including convergence insufficiency, most exercises are helpful.
When Should I See a Doctor for Lazy Eye?
If you find your child’s eye wandering after the first few weeks of life, consult your child’s doctor. If there is a family history of crossed eyes, childhood cataracts, or other eye disorders, getting your vision checked is very vital. Between the ages of three and five, a thorough eye examination is advised for all kids.
