What is Lazy Eye?
Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a vision development disorder where one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It typically develops during early childhood.
Common Causes
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Strabismus: Misaligned or crossed eyes
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Refractive errors: Significant differences in vision between eyes
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Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens
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Visual deprivation: Blockage of vision in early childhood
Symptoms
- Noticeably misaligned eyes
- Poor depth perception
- Head tilting
- Eye wandering
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Difficulty with visual tasks
Diagnosis
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Vision tests: Standard eye chart examinations
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Physical examination: Assessment of eye alignment
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Refraction test: Measuring refractive errors
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Ophthalmoscopy: Examining internal eye structures
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatments
- Corrective eyewear
- Eye patches
- Atropine eye drops
- Vision therapy exercises
Advanced Interventions
- Surgery (for underlying strabismus)
- Computer-based vision training programs
Prevention and Early Detection
- Regular pediatric vision screenings
- Early intervention when symptoms appear
- Genetic counseling if family history exists
Long-term Outlook
- Best results achieved when treated early
- Most children show significant improvement with proper treatment
- Regular follow-up essential for optimal outcomes