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Treat “lazy eye” in early childhood
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) happens when the vision in
one eye doesn’t develop properly in early childhood.
You may not be able to notice it easily in your child,
but if it isn’t treated it will become a permanent
visual problem.
What causes amblyopia?
Babies are able to see when they are born, but they
have to learn how to use their eyes. They have to
learn how to focus, and then how to use both eyes
together. Our vision continues to develop until we
are about 9 to 12 years old. After that, our eyesight
is complete and can’t be easily changed.
However, sometimes the vision in one eye doesn’t
develop properly. This may be caused by misaligned
eyes (called strabismus) or because one eye is
out of focus compared with the other. When this
happens, the brain “shuts off” the eye that is out of
focus, and the child depends only on the better eye
to see.
An eye disease such as a cataract or anything else
that stops a clear image from being focused inside
the eye can cause amblyopia in children. They may
also inherit conditions from their parents that lead
to amblyopia.
AmblyopiaHow is amblyopia diagnosed?
You may not be able to tell that your child has amblyopia. Many
children with the condition look completely normal and see well with
their good eye. If your child has an eye that turns in, out, or up, or if
he or she closes one eye (especially in bright sunlight), these are
warning signs.
Some family doctors and pediatricians screen eyesight. There might
also be vision screening as part of a preschool checkup in your
community. If there is any doubt about your child’s vision, they will
refer you to an eye doctor for more tests.
How is amblyopia treated?
A child’s vision is fully developed by age 9, so amblyopia must be
treated early in life, preferably before age 6. It is hard to reverse
amblyopia after that age. If it is treated early enough, amblyopia can
usually be reversed.
The doctor’s role
Amblyopia is best treated by an ophthalmologist, often with the help
of an orthoptist. Treatment may involve glasses to correct blurred
vision or help straighten the eyes, and patching or blurring the vision
of the good eye to force the lazy eye to work. Surgery can be
necessary as well, to mechanically realign the eyes. Exercises or other
types of visual training are not effective in treating amblyopia.
The parents’ role
If amblyopia isn’t treated, it will lead to a lifetime of poor vision in one
eye. This puts your child at higher risk of vision loss if the seeing eye
is injured. As well, an eye with poor vision can become misaligned
(strabismus), which can affect your child’s3-D vision, making certain
activities difficult and even limiting some job opportunities.
Parents play a vital role in making sure their child does not have this
disability. First, it is important to recognize any signs of a problem.
For example, it is not true that all babies are cross-eyed. If your child is 6 months old and is still cross-eyed, you should see a doctor as soon
as possible. Second, you should never wait for your child to “just grow
out of ” an eye problem. If you think something is wrong with your
child’s eyesight, have it checked.
You will need to work with the doctors and others (such as teachers) to
ensure your child wears the glasses or patch as prescribed. You play a
key role in making sure your child has a lifetime of good eyesight. The
earlier the treatment is started, the sooner it is likely to be successful.
Glossary
Cataract: A clouding of the lens of the eye. Seeing when you have
cataracts is like looking through a dirty window.
Ophthalmologist: A medically trained eye doctor and surgeon.
Orthoptist: An eye care professional who works with the ophthalmologist
in the treatment of amblyopia and strabismus.
Strabismus: The medical term for two eyes that are not straight. One
eye may be turned inward, turned outward, or not aligned vertically.
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
1525 Carling Avenue, Suite 610
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 8R9
© 2007