Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
August 18, 2009
The reason that lazy eye develops is not completely understood. But it is known that if a person is unable to use both eyes together, lazy eye will usually result.
Is it possible to have lazy eye and not know about it? Yes, indeed. Since amblyopia usually occurs in only one eye and the better eye “takes over” seeing for both, persons are often unaware of the condition. Periodic optometric examinations, beginning by or before AGE THREE, are an excellent means of diagnosing lazy eye.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important. The brain learns to “turn off” the lazy eye. The disuse of the eye further weakens it. On the other hand, corrective lenses, prisms, contact lenses and/or vision therapy programs can be prescribed to teach the lazy to function normally. Sometimes, the better eye is covered with a patch to
simulate use and strengthen the lazy eye. If treated in time, clarity vision in the lazy eye can be significantly
improved.
