Lazy eye is the most common problem in kids that go to the eye hospital. This condition usually occurs when a child is an infant and if not treated, it can get worse over time causing more serious vision problems. This article explains the nature of the lazy eye, its symptoms, diagnosis, and lazy eye treatment.
What is the Lazy Eye?
A lazy eye, amblyopia, occurs when one of the eyes has poor vision because it is not properly working together with the brain. This leads your brain to ignore the signals coming from the lazy eye. If not treated, it can damage your vision and depth perception. The term “lazy eye” is used to describe a condition in which one eye functions more effectively than the other. It is important to note that individuals with amblyopia are not being lazy, they have no control over the functioning of their eyes. Amblyopia typically occurs in childhood and stands as the primary cause of vision impairment in children, affecting up to 3 out of every 100 children. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment proved to be highly effective in preventing these vision issues.
What causes lazy eye?
There are some reasons that can cause you to rely on one eye rather than both. These reasons include:
Strabismus
Referred to as strabismic amblyopia is a condition of eye misalignment. The eyes don’t move together as a pair since one eye may drift in, out, up, or down. This condition arises from a misalignment of the eyes, prompting the brain to disregard input from the deviating eye to prevent the potential confusion of double vision in a developing young brain. Consequently, the eye with misalignment undergoes a decline or complete loss in visual acuity, as the brain prioritizes the eye with proper alignment.
Cataract disease
Cataract is the condition of cloudiness in the eye, making things look unclear. Cataracts occur as opaque areas develop on the lens of the eye. Aging contributes to the formation of cataracts. People with cataracts may see the world as if viewed through a dirty window, and over time, their vision gets worse. Though cataracts are most common in older people, children can also have cataracts.
Formation of spots on the cornea
Similar to cataracts, the formation of spots in the cornea may cause blurry vision. Several factors can lead to the presence of spots on the eye, corneal ulcers and pingueculas are the most common causes. The severity of white spots on the eyeball can vary, ranging from barely noticeable to causing significant discomfort. Even if the discomfort is minor, you should see an eye doctor immediately for early diagnosis. It is usually seen in older people; however, it is also possible to form in kids.
How to diagnose a lazy eye?
When the lazy eye first occur, parents usually don’t understand the condition. That’s why it is important to get regular eye checks with your child. It is recommended that children should have regular eye examinations until they reach puberty. The doctor will examine their vision quality by implementing a variety of tests such as:
- Identifying letters or shapes on a chart.
- Following a light with each eye and then both of your eyes.
- Having your doctor look at your eyes with a magnifying device.
What are the symptoms of lazy eye?
The early symptoms of lazy eye include:
- Tendency to bump into objects on one side
- An eye that wanders inward or outward
- Eyes that appear not to work together
- Double vision
- Misalignment of the eyes, or strabismus
- Poor depth perception and peripheral vision
- Repeated eye closure or squinting
- Eyes that don’t move in the same direction when the child is trying to focus.
- A persistent head turn or head tilt
- Persistent shaking of the eyes
What are the lazy eye treatments?
There are various ways to treat the lazy eye. Lazy eye treatments are based on making the brain use your weaker eye to see. Eventually, this will improve the connection between the brain and both eyes. The most commonly used lazy eye treatments include the following:
Using eye drops
This lazy eye treatment includes applying medicated eye drops in your stronger eye. This drop will temporarily blur your vision and force your brain to use the weaker eye to see. It serves as an alternative method to patching to strengthen the weaker eye in the treatment of amblyopia. Some parents prefer using this method because their children may not want to wear an eye patch.
Using glasses
This lazy eye treatment involves the use of eyeglasses to address refractive errors that may contribute to the condition. By wearing glasses, individuals with the lazy eye can effectively correct their vision. This corrective measure is aimed at improving visual acuity and reducing the impact of factors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, which can hinder proper eye coordination. The prescription of the eyeglasses is tailored to the specific needs of the patient, aiding in optimizing vision and facilitating better eye functionality.
Using eye patches
This lazy eye treatment involves the use of an eye patch to ignore the stronger eye, compelling the brain to rely on the lazy eye for vision. The duration of wearing the eye patch is determined by the severity of the lazy eye. The patching aims to stimulate the neural pathways associated with the lazy eye to encourage the weaker eye to strengthen and develop better visual ability. The duration of patching is customized based on individual needs and the severity of amblyopia.
Activity therapies
Activity therapies include a set of prescribed eye exercises to improve your vision. This form of lazy eye treatment aims to improve the coordination and movement of the eyes, contributing to the overall enhancement of visual ability. The success of activity therapies is particularly noteworthy when the underlying cause of lazy eye is associated with difficulties in eye movement.
Medication
Medication treatments involve the use of eye drops containing a medication called atropine. These drops are applied to the stronger eye, intentionally creating temporary blurring of vision. This intentional blurring compels the brain to rely on the weaker eye, fostering its engagement and stimulating visual development. The strategic use of atropine will strengthen the weaker eye over time.
NeuroVision treatment
Neurovision is one of the most recent advancements in the lazy eye treatment. This computer-based program is specifically designed to train the brain, offering a targeted approach to the lazy eye in adults. Unlike traditional treatments, Neurovision uses technology to engage in brain training exercises. This innovative approach holds promise in optimizing visual outcomes and represents a modern option for those seeking an effective treatment for the lazy eye.
Which Treatment Should Be Applied to Which Age for Laser Eye Treatment?
The suitability of laser eye treatment varies with age, and the decision depends on individual circumstances. Generally, laser eye treatments like LASIK or PRK are considered for individuals who are at least 18 years old and have stable vision for a specified period, typically one to two years. Laser eye treatments are often recommended for adults when their eyes have fully matured. Younger individuals may experience changes in their vision as they grow, and it is essential to wait until their prescription stabilizes before considering laser eye surgery. The decision for laser eye treatment is best made in consultation with an eye care professional who can assess the specific needs and conditions of the patient.
Is Surgery Among the Lazy Eye Treatments?
Amblyopia, the lazy eye, results from one eye functioning poorly, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye. Early diagnosis through routine eye exams is always the best way to prevent permanent vision loss. If you are far beyond the early diagnosis stage then you may need a surgical treatment.
Although common lazy eye treatments involve glasses or eye patches to enhance coordination between the weaker eye and the brain, surgery is considered for specific underlying conditions like strabismus, cataracts, and refractive errors. The surgery comes with risks such as bleeding and infection, necessitating careful consideration. After surgical treatment, you may still need postoperative measures, such as wearing glasses or patches for a specified duration.
