What is Lazy Eye? Treatment in Reno, NV
Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye is the deficiency in central vision development caused by the inability of both eyes to function in unison. With the majority of occurrences of lazy eye the eyes themselves are typically in good health yet visual acuity cannot be achieved by just the use of prescription glasses. When untreated amblyopia can result in serious visual impairment, including loss of sight in one eye.
Amblyopia is the most frequently diagnosed vision disorder in childhood. Since it usually starts as an early childhood developmental problem, the disorder can be challenging to detect. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the possibility of complete vision restoration. Treatment is usually faster and more effective for those who begin prior to entering adolescent years.
Therefore it is important to have your child’s eyes and vision checked early on in development. The American Optometric Association suggests that children have a complete eye exam by the age of six months and again by three years of age.
What are the Causes of Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?
Amblyopia may be caused by a number of conditions that affect typical eye and vision development. The most common cause is strabismus, an imbalance in the location of the eyes. Such misalignment results in eyes that cross in (estropia) or turn out (exotropia) and therefore aren’t able to work together. Amblyopia can also be caused by a condition where the eyes have different levels of acuity. This condition is called anisometropia. Occasionally, amblyopia is the result of other optical diseases such as cataracts or another structural problem.
How is Lazy Eye Treated?
Treatment for amblyopia aims to achieve normal binocular vision. In addition to wearing prescription eyeglasses or contacts, one of the most common approaches involves strengthening the weaker eye by occluding the stronger. There are a number of alternatives to occlude the good eye and the treatment plan is selected according to the patient’s circumstances and a consultation with an eye care professional.
Frequently doctors will prescribe patching, where a patch is used to occlude the good eye. A patch forces the patient to use the weaker eye, which promotes proper sight in the weaker eye and helps the visual system in the brain develop properly. However success with patching is dependent upon cooperation of the patient to use the patch, which can be a factor especially in the case of children.
Some eye doctors choose to use a drug known as atropine. When a drop of atropine is applied to the strong eye, this will temporarily impair the sight to stimulate the preference of the other eye.
Occasionally vision can be improved by vision aides alone, such as prescription eyeglasses or contacts that restore vision to each eye, however this is rare. Additionally, vision therapy to train the eyes to operate together or in some cases surgery might also be tried.
Because lazy eye involves a problem with the proper development of the visual system, younger patients often experience more success with treatment. Still, there have been many instances in which teenage patients were successfully treated and therefore anyone who suspects they or their child has lazy eye should schedule an appointment as soon as possible with their eye doctor If you are looking for lazy eye consultation in Reno, NV, be in touch to schedule a visit. Lazy eye won’t heal itself so don’t wait to start treatment to repair your eyesight!
