What Is “Lazy Eye” And Do Children Outgrow It?

If your child has been diagnosed with lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, you probably have a lot of questions. Fortunately, our top-rated eye doctors near you at Avery Eye Clinic can provide answers and treatment options. Serving Conroe, Shenandoah, Huntsville, The Woodlands, Spring, Willis, and Montgomery, TX, this ophthalmologist clinic specializes in children's vision care. Keep reading to learn what lazy eye is and how we can help treat your child.

What Exactly Is Lazy Eye?

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a vision development problem that occurs when the brain and eyes are not working together properly. This results in decreased vision in one eye. The eye itself usually looks normal, but the brain favors the stronger eye. So, the vision does not develop well in the weaker eye.

Amblyopia typically only affects one eye. But, it can occur in both eyes if both have refractive errors or other vision problems. Lazy eye is the most common cause of vision loss in children. So, getting an early diagnosis and treatment is key.

Causes of Lazy Eye in Children

There are a few common causes of amblyopia in kids:

•           Refractive error: Being farsighted, nearsighted, or having astigmatism can make the eyes work unevenly. The brain then ignores the blurry image from the weaker eye.

•           Strabismus: This is when the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. The brain again favors the eye with better vision.

•           Obstruction: Anything blocking light from entering the eye, like a cataract or ptosis (droopy eyelid) can lead to a lazy eye if not treated promptly.

Do Children Outgrow Lazy Eye?

Unfortunately, amblyopia does not resolve on its own. Lazy eye must be treated early in childhood while the visual system is still developing, usually before age 7 to 9. The ophthalmologists at Avery Eye Clinic offer different treatment options to correct amblyopia during this critical window.

Lazy Eye Treatment Options

Treating amblyopia involves forcing the weaker eye to work more to establish a better brain connection. Options may include:

•           Patches: Covers the strong eye with an eye patch forces the weaker eye to work harder and helps treat the condition. This is usually done for weeks to months.

•           Eye drops: Blurs the strong eye temporarily with medicated drops

•           Glasses: Corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness with proper eyeglasses.

•           Eye exercises: Trains the eyes to work together with vision therapy exercises.

•           Eye surgery: If lazy eye is caused by strabismus, our eye surgeon can realign the eyes. Or if other surgery is needed we can also provide it.

Our eye doctors will create a customized treatment plan. Consistent follow-up care is key to ensure amblyopia is correcting properly. While vision therapy typically ends around age 9, the ophthalmologists at Avery Eye Clinic can provide lifelong eye care.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation Near You in Conroe, TX

Do not wait, if your child is showing signs of lazy eye, act! Call Avery Eye Clinic today to schedule an eye exam with one of the top children’s eye doctors and surgeons. We have the expertise to diagnose and treat amblyopia for the best possible outcome. Your children’s vision is too important, give them the care they need to see their best!