A lazy eye (amblyopia) develops when the brain favors one eye, often due to misalignment or different vision in each eye. Early treatment in childhood works best.
What it is
Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye because the brain favors the other. It affects about 2% to 3% of people.
Causes
- Strabismus (misaligned eyes).
- Differences in prescription between eyes.
- Cataract or droopy eyelid.
Treatment
Glasses, patching the strong eye, atropine drops.
Best time
Treating before age 7 works best.
Screening
Children need eye exams by age 3 to 5.
What amblyopia is
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development in early childhood, even though the eye itself is healthy. It affects about 2 to 3 percent of children. The brain favors the stronger eye and ignores the weaker one.
- Strabismus (misaligned eyes) is a common cause.
- Refractive error difference between the eyes (anisometropia), or high farsightedness, can cause it.
- Cataracts or drooping eyelids blocking vision in a child are causes too.
Treatment and timing
Treatment involves glasses, patching the stronger eye for 2 to 6 hours a day, atropine drops, or vision games. The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) trials show good results in children up to age 7, and some improvement even in older children and teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vision screening at ages 3 to 5 and regular checks. Early treatment brings the best outcome, since the visual system matures by around age 8 to 10.
What amblyopia is
Lazy eye (amblyopia) is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development in childhood, often from strabismus (misaligned eyes), a large difference in prescription between eyes or blocked vision such as a cataract. It affects about 2 to 3 percent of children.
Treatment and timing
Treatment includes glasses, eye patching of the stronger eye for several hours daily, atropine drops and vision therapy. Treatment works best before age 7 to 8, though improvements can occur in older children and adults. Early eye exams are recommended.
Types and prevalence
Amblyopia affects about 3 percent of the population. Strabismic amblyopia (misaligned eyes), refractive amblyopia (unequal prescriptions) and deprivation amblyopia (cataract or ptosis) are the types. The brain suppresses input from the weaker eye, so vision does not develop normally.
Treatment evidence
The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group trials found that patching 2 hours daily improved vision in about 75 percent of children, and atropine drops were similar. Digital binocular games are under study. Vision screening at ages 3 to 5 is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Without treatment, vision loss can be permanent. Adults can also benefit from therapy.
Based on data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute
