Lazy eye or amblyopia is an eye condition that begins in early childhood. With a global prevalence of 1-2%, it is the most common reason behind vision issues in children. The problem arises when one eye of the child does not work in proper coordination with their brain. For the child to see properly, the brain favours the normally or correctly working eye. This results in the other eye losing vision.
The condition usually occurs in one eye only. However, sometimes, both eyes may also be affected. That is why it is crucial that the lazy eye issue in your child is detected and treated early. If you are careful enough, the child will most likely not have to face vision problems in the long-term. Contrarily, in the absence of treatment, it could give rise to serious vision issues, including legal blindness.
What are the Symptoms of Lazy Eye?
Lazy eye generally begins between birth and age 7. Your child may have symptoms like:
- Eyes not working in coordination
- One eye wandering inwards or outwards
- Shutting one eye, squinting, or tilting the head to look at something
- Issues perceiving depth
- A drooping upper eyelid
Sometimes, the symptoms are not easily noticeable, which is why regular eye examinations of children are essential.
What Causes Lazy Eyes?
All babies have poor eyesight at birth. Their vision gradually improves with time. Eyesight is considered good, if both eyes give the same clear and focused image. However, some kids develop conditions which affect their vision. Due to these conditions, the child may get different pictures from both their eyes.
To fix the issue, the child’s brain blocks out the picture from the weaker eye. Without timely medical attention, their brain always ignores the images from the problematic eye. This results in lazy eye or amblyopia.
Any condition which does not allow the eye to focus clearly, can result in a lazy eye. Here are the common conditions:
| Cause | Explanation |
| Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) | – Eyes point in different directions – One eye may focus straight ahead while the other eye looks inward, outward, upward, or downward – The most common cause of lazy eye |
| Refractive error | – The child has nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – May cause lazy eye if one eye has a higher specs number |
| Cataracts | – Cloudiness in the otherwise clear eye lens – Some babies are born with cataracts – May not allow proper vision development in the affected eye |
| Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis) | – May block vision in a child’s developing eye, resulting in the lazy eye condition |
| Miscellaneous Causes | – Children born prematurely – Kids, tiny at birth – Family history – Developmental issues |
How to Fix a Lazy Eye
Lazy eye treatment aims at making the child use their weaker eye more. It helps this eye to recover by regaining strength.
What is a Lazy Eye Patch?
Your child’s eye specialist will cover the good eye with a patch. It makes the weaker eye work more. Most children have to wear their lazy eye patch for at least 2-6 hours daily.
Do Glasses Help Lazy Eyes?
In some cases, special eyeglasses can also help strengthen the child’s weaker eye. These glasses have a lens that blurs vision in the good eye. Apart from that, to correct problems with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), spectacles or contact lenses can help.
Are There Any Eye Drops for Lazy Eye?
Yes, just like glasses, sometimes, eye drops are used for blurring vision in the stronger eye.
Can Surgery Fix a Lazy Eye?
If your child has cataracts, crossed eyes (squint or strabismus), or droopy eyelids, they may need to undergo surgery to correct these problems.
How Long Does Lazy Eye Treatment Continue?
Treatment typically continues until vision becomes normal or until there is no further improvement in vision. In most cases, it takes a few weeks to a few months. Some children have to wear eye patches till the age of 8-10 years.
Make sure that you attend all appointments with your child’s eye specialist in Chandigarh so that the child’s vision can be regularly monitored.
The Bottom Line
We understand how it feels to realise that your child is going through vision problems. But we assure you that Lazy eye, squint, or any other paediatric eye issues can be treated. With regular check-ups and proper care, your child can enjoy clear vision throughout life.
So, if you are also noticing similar symptoms in your child’s eye(s), remember, Sohana Eye Hospital is with you. All you need to do is visit us, and we’ll take care of the rest.