The Basics Of Lazy Eye - Problems And Solutions For This Affliction

Most people can recognize what most call Lazy Eye in someone. Very few however know much about the condition however. Lazy Eye, which is actually a condition called amblyopia, is one that occurs in children. It is basically what happens when one eye has better vision than the other eye. When you see the condition in an adult, it is most likely the result of the childhood condition that was not fully treated. If the condition is not treated, the vision will not continue to develop correctly. The brain will begin ignoring the eye with the poorer vision, causing that eye to become even worse than before. The ultimate problem can be that the "bad eye"� loses vision altogether.

Causes Of Lazy Eye

There is nothing anyone can do to avoid a child developing Lazy Eye. It is something that children are born with most of the time. One eye typically can focus much better than the other. While it is normal for each eye to have a little difference in vision and focus, those with Lazy Eye have a more dramatic difference between their two eyes. The brain becomes confused with this occurrence and will automatically ignore the poorer eye. When it is left uncorrected for years, the typical turning of the eye can occur because the eye alignment is not correct.

In another case, amblyopia can occur because of strabismus. Strabismus is another word for ocular misalignment. This is a condition where it is difficult for the child to focus on an object with both eyes. Rarely, there are cases where the child cannot see well from one eye due to a blockage. This blockage can be the result of a cataract or blood or other material in the back of the eye.

Diagnosis of Lazy Eye

As soon as the symptoms of Lazy Eye develop, you should take your child to see his or her pediatrician. The pediatrician will most likely check to see if your child's eye let light all the way through, if they are equally strong in vision, and if they look and move normally. If a problem is detected the pediatrician will likely refer your child to an eye specialist. The eye specialist will perform basic eye exams to see if a diagnosis is necessary.

Treatment of Lazy Eye

Most eye care specialists will agree that the best treatment for amblyopia is a patch. This concept works by patching the "good eye"� and forcing the brain to recognize the "bad"� eye. It may be difficult to get your child to cooperate with a patch. Their vision will not be as good at first because they will be using only their poorer eye to see. This is a lengthy process. It can take years for this to work well, but it is very effective ultimately in correcting the problem. The process is great because as the patch is worn and the poor eye is used more and more, the vision in that eye will improve. The eye may get back to normal and be equal with the other eye. When this happens, your eye specialist will no longer suggest the child should wear the patch.

When amblyopia is not as bad, the specialist may choose not to use a patch but recommend an eye drop called atropine instead. Atropine is used for the "good eye"�. It makes it more difficult for the "good eye"� to focus, forcing the eye with poor vision to work harder. When there is a blockage determined to be the problem, often the blockage will be removed.

If you think your child is suffering from Lazy Eye get him or her evaluated immediately. If left untreated, this condition can be much more damaging. When you seek treatment in childhood however, there is a great chance that the condition will be fully treated and your child will be able to see normally. Talk to your pediatrician about any concerns. See your eye doctor every two years as well in order for your child to be accessed for any potential problems arising. It is better to be aware and accepting of the problem so it can be treated than let it go untreated.