Amblyopia (“Lazy Eye”)
WHAT IS AMBLYOPIA?
Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is generally a condition in which one eye does not see as well as the other, but not because of the presence of disease. Usually one eye is turning, and the brain is ignoring it to avoid double vision, or the prescription in one eye is significantly worse than the other.
The brain learns to “talk to” the eyes by age seven or eight. If we can catch the problem before then, and correct it, amblyopia can be avoided. The child may not even be aware of the problem since the good eye “takes over” for them, or dominates.
Amblyopia is usually a life-long problem if not detected at a very young age.
