Everything you need to know about ‘lazy eye’ in kids

Early detection of ‘lazy eye’ is vital to protect your child’s eyesight. From causes to diagnosis and treatment options, here’s what to know.

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is a vision disorder where one eye develops abnormally due to poor coordination between the eye and the brain.

The affected eye appears to be “lazy” as it doesn’t move together with the other.

The condition typically occurs in early childhood when the visual system is still maturing.

Optometrist Warehouse managing director Peter Larsen says early detection is vital for effective treatment.

“The younger the child, the more adaptive the visual system, making treatment more successful,” Peter explains.

Left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Who is most at risk for developing amblyopia?

Children under the age of seven are most susceptible to amblyopia, particularly those with:

• Eyes that don’t align (known as strabismus)
• Restricted vision from a drooping eyelid or a cloudy area in the lens (cataract)
• Anisometropia – an imbalance between each eye’s optical power due to refractive errors (being nearsighted or farsighted, or having astigmatism)

How can ‘lazy eye’ be detected?

Peter says an optometrist will check for amblyopia during a comprehensive eye examination, which is used to assess all elements of your child’s vision and eye health.

Vision screenings are essential for newborns, at six months, at three years of age, and before starting school.

Your optometrist may perform the following tests:

• Visual acuity test: To measure vision clarity in each eye using eye charts appropriate for the child’s age
• Cover test: To check for eye movement while one eye is covered
• Refraction test: To identify refractive errors using different lenses

Are there any ways to manage amblyopia?

“Treatment for amblyopia is most effective when started during the critical period of visual development in childhood,” Peter says.

Treatment options include:

• Wearing glasses or contacts with corrective lenses to address refractive errors
• Covering the stronger eye with an eye patch to force the brain to use the weaker eye
• Using atropine drops to blur vision in the stronger eye, encouraging use of the weaker eye
• Vision exercises to enhance eye coordination and focusing abilities

“Regular screenings and prompt treatment can prevent permanent vision loss, ensuring better visual outcomes for affected children,” Peter says.

Book an eye examination for your child at www.optometrist warehouse.com.au.

More on vision and eye health:

• 4 simple ways to protect your eyesight
• Are we seeing a nearsightedness epidemic?
• How to protect your child’s eyesight in the high-tech age
• Jean Kittson: ‘This is why you must put eye checks on your to-do list’