LAZY EYE NOT ALWAYS DUE TO “EYE TURN”
Many parents will naturally assume that a “lazy eye” develops from eyes that appear to be crossed (turned in or out). Therefore if their child’s eyes appear to be straight, they will not be at risk for lazy eye. In fact, many times a lazy eye occurs without a noticeable eye turn.
A “lazy eye” (more correctly known as amblyopia) happens in young children when one eye cannot send a clear enough image to the brain. If not treated the brain never learns to see well through that eye. Even with glasses the child may not be able to see clearly out of the eye with amblyopia.
Amblyopia can result from a few different conditions. For example:
· Having a much higher amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism in one eye vs. the other
· Having a disease in one eye such as a cataract
· Having an injury or genetic condition such as a droopy eye lid
The treatment for amblyopia may include glasses, eye patches and surgery depending on the underlying cause.
It’s very important that children get their eyes checked at an early age to check for issues such as amblyopia. When detected early these conditions have a much better chance of being successfully treated.