Treatment of Lazy eye

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Amblyopia is treated by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) and an orthoptist (a specialist in childhood eye problems).

The younger the child is when lazy eye is diagnosed, the more successful it is likely to be. If treatment is started after the age of eight, it is unlikely to be as successful.

Treatment depends on the cause of amblyopia. Options include:

Using a patch (also known as occulation). A patch is placed over the â€˜goodâ€™ eye so that the lazy eye is forced to work. The length of time the child wears the patch for depends on how old they are and how serious the problem is. Most children need to wear the patch for a few hours a day for several weeks. While the patch is on, the child should do close-up activities such as colouring, reading or schoolwork. Patches are often worn with glasses.

Eye drops. Atropine eye drops can be used to blur the vision in the good eye. They should be used once a day.

Eye surgery. If the condition is caused by another problem such as a squint or a cataract, surgery may be needed. Patch treatment may be used after the operation.