Lazy Eyes (Amblyopia) in Children

Early detection is crucial in treating this eye disorder – in which one eye is weaker than the other.

Amblyopia, otherwise known as “lazy eyes”, is an eye disorder in which wearing glasses or contact lenses is unable to correct an individual’s blurry vision. This happens often in babies or young children – usually affecting one eye but it can happen to both.

• Difficulty gauging dimensions, distance, and movements
• Squinting
• Frequently closing one eye
• Frequently tilting their heads

However, parents will still need to take their children to their family doctor or ophthalmologist to get an eye test done for an official diagnosis. It is recommended for children to undergo an eye examination before the age of 4 for early detection of such eye disorders.

• Premature birth
• Smaller than average size newborn
• Family history of amblyopia or other eye conditions
• Developmental disabilities

Rest assured; this can be treated. It is usually corrected by placing an eye patch over the eye with a stronger vision. In some cases, certain eye drops, or prescription glasses may be used to blur the vision of the stronger eye. This is done with the intent of having the child use their weaker eye.

Treatment can take several weeks up to a few months. Once your child’s vision improves, they may be required to wear the eye patch temporarily for several years. This is to prevent the eye from weakening once more.

This article was contributed by Dr Sunita Padmanabhan, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Sunita Padmanabhan at her clinic, click here.