Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a condition of the eye that can cause vision loss and lessen depth perception. Usually a person will only experience one lazy eye. Eyesight is affected in both eyes as the brain has difficulty processing the images seen through the lazy eye, which is usually more nearsighted or farsighted than the normal eye. Exercises can help strengthen the lazy eye and improve vision.
Eye Patch Exercises
Covering the normal eye with an eye patch while you do activities will require the lazy eye to get stronger. The ability of the brain to process the information it sees will improve as the lazy eye works to function through seeing objects, reading, doing puzzles and playing video games. These are all good exercises for the lazy eye. Lazy eye exercises are more beneficial to children who are diagnosed early. An estimated three percent of children are born with at least one lazy eye. Children will usually be able to achieve normal vision with eye exercises if started before age 9. Some doctors may recommend more specific exercises based on an individual's needs. Wearing an eye patch is an inexpensive and accessible exercise. It is part of almost all vision therapy exercise programs.
Coloring Exercises
As simple as it sounds, coloring pictures and staying within the lines while wearing an eye patch is a particularly effective exercise to strengthen a lazy eye. Coloring is an especially effective exercise for children because it is fun, but no matter your age, you can benefit from and enjoy this easy activity.
Eye Drops
Putting eye drops in the unaffected eye to blur the vision will also require the lazy eye to pick up the slack. Doing crossword puzzles and reading fine print with eye drops in is another way to exercise the lazy eye.
