Understanding Lazy Eye and How to Treat It

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a frequent vision problem in children that can cause significant vision issues if left untreated. This condition occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to weakened vision in one eye. Fortunately, your ophthalmologist near you at Lavenburg Medical Group in Newark, DE, and Elkton, MD, can help. Continue reading to learn about lazy eye and how we can treat it.

What Is Lazy Eye?

Lazy eye is a relatively common disorder of the eyes that develops during childhood. This condition occurs when one eye is weaker in vision than the other. Factors like eye misalignment and significant differences in refractive errors between the eyes can cause lazy eye. This condition can lead to permanent vision impairment if left untreated.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to handle lazy eyes. Children should undergo early treatment during infancy to detect the presence of lazy eye conditions. Your ophthalmologist near you can utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess vision and identify lazy eyes.

Your lazy eye exam may include tests to determine visual acuity, eye alignment, and overall eye health. Your ophthalmologist will also evaluate your eye strength and coordination. These tests allow your ophthalmologist to treat and manage your lazy eye before it leads to significant vision problems later in life.

Lazy Eye Treatment Options

The treatment of lazy eye will depend on its underlying factors. Some of the treatment options include:

•           Eyeglasses or contact lenses: There are corrective lenses that your ophthalmologist prescribes to correct refractive vision errors causing lazy eye.

•           Eye patching: This treatment patches the stronger eye to promote the use of the weaker eye. Doing this will ensure the weaker eye gets developed and connected to the brain.

•           Atropine eye drops: Atropine drops will help blur the vision of the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker eye. This lazy eye treatment works similarly to eye patching.

•           Vision therapy: Vision therapy exercises can improve eye coordination and focusing accuracy.

Your ophthalmologist near you can help determine which lazy eye treatment best suits your visual needs and lifestyle.

Get Reliable Lazy Eye Treatment Today at Lavenburg Medical Group

Early detection and treatment for lazy eyes can prevent several significant vision issues later in life, so contact Lavenburg Medical Group in Newark, DE, and Elkton, MD, to get the eye care necessary to protect your eye and vision health. Call us and schedule a lazy eye exam today at (302) 993-0722 to maintain healthy eyes and clear vision.