How to Treat Lazy Eye

About 2 to 3 percent of the population suffers from Amblyopia or lazy eye. It is a form of visual impairment in which the brain favors one eye over the other. If diagnosed early, then options exist to treat it successfully and prevent future problems.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat the underlying cause. Glasses are often prescribed as a first choice to improve the focusing of both the eyes.

• 2

  Exercise the eyes as suggested by the doctor. This activity may help the patient learn how to use both of them successfully.

• 3

  Consider surgery to straighten the muscles. This option is usually performed when non-surgical options fail to work.

• 4

  Cover the lazy one with a patch for a period of time. This tactic may be for weeks or up to a year and forces the impaired one to work and strengthen vision. New studies indicate that shorter periods of wearing the patch may be just as effective.

• 5

  Use drops or ointments that cause the good side to go blurry. This option will force the other to work harder and hopefully make it stronger.

• 6

  Treat with newly identified options. Atropine drops placed in the eye seem to be as effective as a patch.

• 7

  Research vision therapy. The goal is not to strengthen the eye muscle because it is believed to be strong already. It is a combination of different therapies done in the physician's office that are modified for each patient.