Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is an eye health condition that usually occurs in childhood. Amblyopia refers to a condition in which the normal vision of one eye is significantly weaker or ineffective than the other eye. This condition occurs due to a mismatch between the brain and the eye, usually during the development of the eyes in childhood.
Early detection and treatment can reduce the effects of lazy eye and lead to better vision. If you are concerned about amblyopia, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist or pediatrician.
What are the symptoms of lazy eye?
Symptoms of lazy eye can vary from person to person and can sometimes be mild. The symptoms of amblyopia, which usually appear in childhood, can be listed as follows:
- Weaker vision in one eye,
- Strabismus (Strabismus),
- Problems with depth perception,
- Headache and eye strain,
- Reading and writing difficulties,
- Itching and watery eyes.
Why does lazy eye occur?
Amblyopia is a condition in which the normal vision of one eye is significantly weaker or ineffective than the other eye. There are various causes that can lead to amblyopia. Some of the common causes of lazy eye are:
Strabismus (Strabismus): Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes cannot look in parallel. While one eye maintains its normal position, the other eye shifts in a different direction. In this case, the brain cannot combine images from both eyes and vision can be affected.
Eye Problems Causing Blurred Vision: If one eye has a visual impairment such as cataracts, astigmatism or myopia, it can cause amblyopia.
Genetic Factors: Family history can increase the risk of amblyopia. Children with a family history of amblyopia may be more at risk.
Refraction Problems: Refractive problems that require the use of glasses or contact lenses can lead to amblyopia.
Treatment of Irregular Eye Closing: Failure to close the eyes properly during amblyopia treatment or irregular treatment may cause the problem to persist.
Failure to Recognize Lazy Eye at an Early Age: If amblyopia is not recognized and treated at an early age, it can become more permanent.
How is lazy eye treated?
Treatment for lazy eye varies depending on the cause. If it is caused by visual impairment, it can be corrected with glasses or lenses. If there is a problem with the eye, surgical intervention may be required.
Common methods used to treat lazy eye include the following:
Closure Therapy: Closure therapy is the most common treatment for lazy eye. In this treatment, the good seeing eye is closed to encourage the lazy eye to work. Closure therapy is usually applied for 2-6 hours a day. The duration of treatment varies depending on the degree of lazy eye.
Occlusion Therapy: Occlusion therapy is similar to occlusion therapy. In this treatment, a bandage or patch is placed over the eye with good vision. Occlusion therapy may be less effective than occlusion therapy.
Pleoptic Treatment: Pleoptic treatment is eye exercises to increase the visual stimulation of the lazy eye. These exercises are usually prescribed by an ophthalmologist or vision therapist. Pleoptic treatment is usually combined with closure therapy.