How to Correct Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," usually occurs when the visual system in the brain of a child under age 7 fails to develop properly because one eye is stronger than the other. When the brain uses the images from the stronger eye and ignores those from the weaker eye, poor vision results. In many cases amblyopia is hard to detect. It can occur in both eyes, but usually affects only one eye.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's treatment plan
• Eye patch

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Instructions

• 1

  Get every child an eye examination by age 5. Amblyopia may be present without warning signs. Young children may not know to complain about poor vision.

• 2

  Begin treatment upon diagnosis and determination of cause by a doctor, preferably one specializing in ophthalmology. Early treatment usually can correct amblyopia.

• 3

  Make sure your child understands the importance of the doctor's treatment plan and how to follow it. Avoid scaring your child during your talks.

• 4

  Help your child every day to follow the doctor's treatment plan. Unless surgery is necessary, initial treatment specified by the doctor will likely consist of a technique designed to strengthen her weaker eye by temporarily eliminating or reducing input from her stronger eye. The plan may call for an eye patch or a blurry lens, which may be uncomfortable for your child. Make sure she doesn't pull off an eye patch or shed blurry lens glasses when you're not around.

• 5

  Inform the child's teachers about the condition and the treatment plan.

• 6

  Be sure your child and her teachers know about and understand any changes made by the doctor to a treatment plan.

• 7

  Make sure your child follows and completes the doctor's post-treatment care plan. Scheduled checkups should not be put off or skipped.