How to find out if you have lazy eyes

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Medical Video: What is amblyopia (lazy eye) and how is it treated?

Lazy eyes are a condition that most often occurs while still a child. The Mayo Clinic notes that this condition is the main cause of visual impairment in children. However, if left unchecked, these lazy eyes can carry on until you are an adult.

The medical term for lazy eyes is amblyopia, which is a condition in which the brain is more likely to 'employ' one eye. Usually, this is because one eye vision is worse than the other eye. Unconsciously, the condition of differences in eye health conditions will make the brain ignore signals or impulses from weaker eyes, or "lazy" eyes.

In patients with lazy eyes, weaker eyes usually don't look too different compared to other eyes. However, in some circumstances, these weaker eyes might look 'run' in a different direction from the eye next to it. It is important to remember, that lazy eyes are different from squint or eyes strabismus. However, strabismus can trigger lazy eyes, if the squinted eyes are less frequently used than healthy eyes.

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What are the signs and symptoms of lazy eyes?

Lazy eyes can be difficult to detect unless the situation is severe. If you or your child has symptoms like this, it could be an initial symptom of a lazy eye:

  • tendency to hit objects on one side
  • eyes that 'run' everywhere, both inside and outside
  • both eyes don't seem to work together
  • lack of ability to estimate distance
  • double vision
  • often frowning

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Causes of lazy eyes

Lazy eyes are associated with developmental problems in the brain. In this case, the nerve pathways in the brain that regulate vision do not function properly. This situation can arise when both eyes are not used in equal amounts with each other. Some of the conditions below can trigger lazy eyes:

  • squint eyes that are not repaired
  • genetic, family history with lazy eyes
  • the difference in visual ability is quite far between the eyes
  • damage or trauma to one eye
  • drop of one of the eyelids
  • vitamin A deficiency
  • corneal ulcer
  • eye surgery
  • visual impairment
  • glaucoma

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How to diagnose lazy eyes?

Lazy eyes usually only occur in one eye. When it first happens, you or your child may not realize it. Therefore, it is important for you and your child to routinely check your doctor's eye as early as possible from the baby, even if your child does not experience any symptoms. The American Optometric Association suggest that you bring your child to have his eyes checked at the age of 6 months and 3 years. After that, the child must be routinely examined by an ophthalmologist every two years or more often from the age of 6 to 18 years.

The ophthalmologist will perform a routine eye examination to assess vision in both eyes. The usual tests include reading letters or shapes, following the movement of light with one eye followed by two eyes, and seeing the eyes directly with the available tools. In addition, your doctor may also check your visual acuity, eye muscle strength, and how well your child's eyes are able to focus on vision. Your doctor will find out if there is one eye that is weaker or there are differences in vision between the two eyes.

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How to fix lazy eyes?

Treating the cause is the most effective way to deal with lazy eyes. You need to help weaker eyes to develop normally. If you or your child has refractive disorders such as farsightedness, farsightedness, or cylinders (astigmatism), the doctor will prescribe glasses.

Your doctor may also suggest using an eye patch for healthier eyes, so that weak eyes can be trained to see. Eye patches can usually be used for one to two hours a day. This eye patch serves to help the development of the brain that controls vision. In addition to eye patches, drops can also be dropped on healthy eyes so that they run away for some time, giving time to the 'lazy' eyes to practice.

If you have squinted eyes, you may have to undergo surgery to repair your eye muscles. Basically, the faster the lazy eye is repaired, the better the treatment results. So, don't hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.

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How to find out if you have lazy eyes
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