Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is when one eye doesn't see as well as the other. This leads to blurry vision that can't be fully fixed with glasses or contacts.
Below, we explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments of lazy eye to help parents and caregivers address the condition early on. If you suspect your child may have lazy eye, schedule an eye exam with our expert optometrists at New Era Eyecare, Clifton, VA.
Causes of Lazy Eye
The condition typically occurs during childhood – from birth to about 8 years of age. Lazy eye can be caused by different factors, such as:
- Strabismus
This happens when the eyes are misaligned, causing one eye to turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. To avoid double vision, the brain ignores visual information from the misaligned eye. - Refractive Errors
Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can contribute to amblyopia.
Signs of Lazy Eye
- Head tilting
- Avoidance of visual tasks
- Closing one eye to read
- Short attention span
- Droopy eyelid
- Squinting
- Eye turns
Lazy Eye Treatment Options
Regular eye exams, especially between the ages three and five, are crucial for catching lazy eye early and providing medical intervention. Our optometrists at New Era EyeCare, Arlington, VA, can help.
Here are some options we use to treat lazy eye:
- Glasses and Contact Lenses
- Patching
- Atropine Drops
- Vision Therapy
Lazy Eye Treatment In Alexandria, Virginia
Take the first step to treatment by scheduling an eye exam with our trusted eye doctors near you. Whether in Old Town, VA or Sterling, VA, we have you covered at our different New Era Eye Care locations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Lazy Eye
1. What causes lazy eye after a stroke?
Lazy eye after a stroke is thought to be caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls vision, either during the stroke or in the weeks or months after.
2. What can I do to prevent lazy eye?
There's no sure way to prevent lazy eye but you can reduce its risk by doing the following:
- Have regular eye exams.
- Wear glasses or contact lenses if you have refractive errors.
- Treat any eye problems promptly.