Strabismus is a visual defect in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward or downward.
Strabismus is a visual defect in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward or downward.
If a child has strabismus and he/she is focusing with one eye, the other eye becomes lazy.
Amblyopia is reduced vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood. It is sometimes called “lazy eye.” It can be avoided by having children’s eyes examined between the ages of three and five. Amblyopic eye is normal by examination but it cannot see very well. Visual improvement is possible until 9 years of age.
Initially, a full correction of eyeglasses is given. If this cannot improve the vision then strong eye is patched until the vision in weaker eye is improved. If strabismus is not improved, eye muscle surgery is recommended to align both eyes to prevent amblyopia. It is vital to the correction of amblyopia that treatment begins as early as possible. A child’s nervous system continues to develop through infancy and can only be corrected during this sensitive period. Doing nothing and waiting will only cause permanent, irreversible damage.
Anisometropia is a condition where there is a significant difference in the refractive errors of the two eyes. If this condition is present in infancy and is undetected or untreated, it often results in the development of lazy eye or amblyopia in the weaker eye. The greater the amount of the difference, the more likely the development of lazy eye will be.
Your ophthalmologist can give you instructions on how to treat amblyopia. Children do not like to have their eyes patched. But as a parent, you must convince your child to do what is best for him or her. Your interest and involvement will be necessary for successful treatment.
Children should have their first eye exam at about age three. A child’s eyes finish developing by the age of 8-9 years. Always have a child’s vision checked if there is any doubt about how well he or she sees. Early detection of eye problems can sometimes prevent significant damage to the eye or to vision. If any member of your family has eye problems, then it’s best to have your child’s eyes tested at an early age.
If your child shows ANY sign from the list below, you should consider a comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist.
Schedule an appointment at NeoVision Eye Center by calling today at: 1-510-431-5511.
