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Amblyopia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Lazy eye

Treatment:

The primary treatment involves patching the normal eye to force use of the non-preferred, amblyopic eye. Sometimes, drops are used to blur the vision of the normal eye instead of putting a patch on it. Younger patients have more potential for the visual system of the brain to develop, and thus better potential for improved vision when amblyopia is treated.

The underlying condition will also require treatment. If vision problem (nearsightedness or farsightedness) is the cause, glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed. If strabismus is the cause, this will require a program of treatment.

Children whose vision cannot be expected to fully recover should wear glasses with protective lenses of polycarbonate, as should all children with only one good eye caused by any disorder. Polycarbonate glasses are shatter- and scratch-resistant.

Expectations (prognosis):

When treatment starts before age 5, near complete recovery of normal vision is usually possible. This becomes progressively less likely as children become older. Only partial recovery can be expected after age 10.

Complications:

• Complex problems with muscle alignment may require several surgeries, which can have complications.
• Late treatment may result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if a vision problem is suspected in a young child.

• Review Date: 8/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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