Lazy eye, a condition also known as amblyopia, occurs when improper development results in poor vision. This condition may or may not result in a noticeable physical change to the eye, so you may not know a child has amblyopia from a quick observation. Treatment in early childhood may help improve vision, so identifying early signs is important. Understanding the condition as well as the symptoms of amblyopia will help you spot a potential eye problem early.
Symptoms
In some children a lazy eye may appear to turn to the side, up or down, but in others the eye may look straight ahead. This means that you may not identify the eye condition easily. However, you can watch your child for signs of vision problems. If your infant does not follow objects well, or if you notice that she may have problems with depth perception, contact an eye doctor for an evaluation. The doctor can perform more detailed tests to determine if your infant has a lazy eye or other eye condition.
Causes
A lazy eye may occur for a number of reasons. A condition called strabismus occurs frequently, resulting when the muscles that control eye movements do not align the eye properly or allow the eyes to move in sync. In other instances, a lazy eye occurs from the improper development of the eye, preventing good vision. Eye conditions such as congenital cataracts or tumors may also cause amblyopia.
Treatment
Your child's eye doctor will initially recommend patching the strong eye for periods throughout the day. This makes the lazy eye responsible for vision instead of relying on the better-seeing eye. In certain cases this may gradually improve vision in the weak eye and resolve the condition. However, this will not benefit all children.
If amblyopia stems from strabismus, your infant may require surgery to correct the muscle imbalance and align the eyes. In situations where the lazy eye stems from an eye condition such as cataracts, the doctor may recommend treating the condition and then patching the eye or other treatments as necessary.
Considerations
Early treatment of an eye condition will often increase the likelihood of improved vision, so you should contact an eye doctor if you have any concerns about your infant's eyes. Many children do not have perfect vision, even with treatment of the condition, but treatment will give your child the best chance for visual improvement.
