What is amblyopia or lazy eye?

Amblyopia is defined as a reduction in vision without the presence of eye disease and is most common among children.  The brain, for some reason, does not acknowledge the images seen by one of the eyes.

What causes amblyopia?

The most common trigger for amblyopia is heredity.  The second most common reason is due to a large corrective prescription for one eye compared to the other.  Both eyes must receive clear images during the critical years of development (birth to 6 years of age).  Anything that interferes with clear vision in either eye during this time will result in amblyopia.

What is the treatment for amblyopia?

The treatment of amblyopia is best started before the age of 2.  Success decreases with age.  Glasses, drops, exercises and/or patching are used for treatment.  Pediatric eye exams and school vision screenings are the most important factor in diagnosing and early treatment.  All children should have an eye exam with dilating drops before the age of 2 to find and diagnose this condition.