Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, or "Lazy Eye", is a condition where vision in one eye is weak due to a lack of development. A lazy eye cannot see clearly, even with proper prescription glasses.

Lazy eye affects two to four percent of children. There are two types of lazy eye. The first is when one eye turns in or out. This is relatively easy for a parent or teacher to notice. To avoid seeing double the brain ignores the eye that turns. The second type is when one eye is more farsighted or nearsighted than the other eye. Both eyes are pointing in the same direction but one eye does not see as clearly. This is very difficult for a parent or teacher to notice. The brain will ignore the blurred eye and put all the emphasis on the good eye. In both cases, as the 'better' eye takes over, the weaker eye continues to decline due to lack of use and becomes 'lazy'.

The good eye can take over so well that there may be no warning symptoms and the child is unaware that they have a vision problem. People with lazy eye have reduced depth perception, which can restrict certain occupations, such as being a pilot or a professional athlete.

A lazy eye can be treated with glasses, patching, or in some cases, surgery. In all instances, the earlier a weak eye is identified and treated, the better the chances of preventing vision loss. If a lazy eye is not detected before age 6 treatment is rarely successful. The Canadian Association of Optometrist recommends vision examinations by age three and annually during childhood and teen years. It is never too early for your child's first comprehensive eye exam.