Lazy Eye

What is Lazy Eye ?

The term “Lazy Eye” has taken on several meanings over the years. Most often it refers to an eye that fails to develop vision as a child grows. The medical term for this is Amblyopia.

Some people have applied the term “Lazy Eye” to some of the conditions that can cause Amblyopia such as eye crossing (Strabismus) and droopy eyelids ( Ptosis ).

What Causes Lazy Eye ( Amblyopia ) ?

Anything that interferes with the normal development of vision can cause Amblyopia. The developing eye needs to be able to form a clear image in order for the brain to “learn” how to see with that eye. This “learning” must occur in the first 6-8 years of life. If this does not occur then the vision in that eye will always be limited. The following conditions can interfere with the proper development of vision: severe focusing problems, congenital cataracts, droopy eyelids, and eye crossing problems.

Who Develops Lazy Eye ?

Amblyopia and the conditions that cause it tend to run in families. Therefore, once someone in the family is diagnosed with “Lazy Eye” all the members should be examined. This examination should occur as early as 6 months of age since Amblyopia is best treated as early as possible.

What are the Symptoms of Lazy Eye ?

Sometimes the parents of a child with Lazy Eye have clues that the vision may not be developing normally. These include crossing of the eye, drooping of the eyelid or whitening of the pupil ( which is the dark hole in the middle of the colored part of the eye.)

Many times, however, there are no symptoms of Amblyopia. Therfore every child should have an eye examination by 1-2 years of age by an eye care professional in order to screen for Lazy Eye.

How is Lazy Eye Treated ?

Lazy Eye is treated by 1) treating any underlying condition that may be causing the Amblyopia and 2) by making the child use the Lazy Eye so that the brain “learns” how to see with it.

The treatment for the underlying condition will of course depend on the nature of the condition. Congenital cataracts will need to be removed, droopy eyelids will need to be lifted, severe focusing problems will need to be corrected and crossing eyes will need to be straightened.

Once the underlying cause is corrected the child must be made to use the Lazy Eye. This is usually accomplished by patching the “good” eye. The child will naturally object. However, if the child is to develop good vision in the Lazy Eye the child must use it. This will take a great deal of effort on everyone's part but will be more than worth it in the end.

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