Amblyopia

Alternative names:

cycloplegic; lazy eye

Treatment:

Nonsurgical treatment involves patching the normal eye in an effort to improve the vision in the weak eye by forcing its use.

Eye drops may be used in some cases to improve the vision in the weaker eye. Drops are placed in the good eye to blur its vision thereby forcing the weaker eye to work harder.

Sometimes surgery is required to realign the muscles of the eye.

Eye glasses may be necessary to correct severe focusing problems.

Expectations (prognosis):

When treatment is completed before age 5 or 6, vision is often close to normal.

Complications:

Complex problems with muscle alignment may require several surgeries.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if a vision problem is suspected in a young child.