Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

 

 

 

Amblyopia is a condition where one of the eyes is unable to see as well as the other eye.  Typically, the vision in one eye will be clearer than the other and the brain gradually starts to rely more on the good eye and less and less on the eye that isn’t seeing as well.  If this happens, visual development can be slowed or stopped in the eye that isn’t seeing as clearly.  Amblyopia can be caused by several things including unequal prescriptions between the two eyes, an eye that turns in or out or injury to an eye.  

 

 

In the past, it was thought that amblyopia was not treatable after age 6 or 7.  Recent research, however, has shown that amblyopia can be improved even in adults.  Although improvements are typically not as pronounced or achieved as quickly in adults, visual improvements for adults living with amblyopia are possible.  

 

Treatment for amblyopia can include eye patching or various forms of vision therapy activities.  In eye patching, the patient wears a patch over the eye with better vision, forcing the brain to use the eye that isn’t seeing as clearly.  While the eye is patched, activities including drawing, coloring or other up-close tasks are given to stimulate visual development.  The amount of therapy prescribed and the length of therapy vary and are dependent on the level of amblyopia.