A lazy eye, or amblyopia, occurs when one eye doesn’t develop properly, causing your brain to favor the other eye. As a result, the affected eye becomes “lazy” and fails to work properly, reducing visual acuity and depth perception. A lazy eye can affect your ability to read, drive, and perform everyday tasks. However, with early detection and treatment, your doctor can correct Beverly Hills, CA lazy eye, restoring clear vision and quality of life.
Symptoms associated with a lazy eye
The most prevalent symptom of lazy eye is poor vision in one eye, which you may notice when reading, watching television, or playing sports. In some cases, the affected eye may appear to wander or drift, which can cause difficulty with eye coordination and depth perception. Additionally, you may tilt your head or squint to improve your vision. Other symptoms of the lazy eye may include poor 3D vision, double vision, or difficulty judging distances. Children with lazy eye may have trouble with activities that require good depth perception, such as catching a ball.
Factors that lead to the development of a lazy eye
Lazy eye can occur due to various factors, including strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), cataracts, brain disorders affecting vision, and a family history of lazy eye. When one eye is affected by any of these conditions, your brain may start to ignore the input from that eye to avoid seeing double or blurred images. Over time, your brain learns to rely more on the other eye, leading to decreased vision in the affected eye. The younger the child when the condition occurs, the more likely the brain will learn to rely on the stronger eye, making treatment more difficult. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
How your doctor diagnoses a lazy eye
Dr. Silani will conduct a comprehensive eye exam during your appointment, including evaluating your visual acuity, alignment, and overall eye health. He may also discuss your medical history, including previous eye conditions or surgeries. During the exam, the specialist may use an eye chart to test your visual acuity in each eye and special instruments to evaluate your eyes’ movement, coordination, and alignment. Additionally, they may use drops to dilate your pupils, allowing them to examine the inside of your eyes and check for any abnormalities.
Prevention techniques
Preventing lazy eye involves early detection and treatment of underlying conditions that can cause the condition. Regular eye exams are crucial in detecting and treating eye conditions to prevent the lazy eye from developing. You should also pay attention to your child’s eye health and be aware of any symptoms that may indicate a problem with their vision. Squinting, rubbing their eyes, or tilting their head to one side can indicate a vision problem. Limiting screen time and encouraging your child to engage in outdoor activities can promote healthy eye development.
If you or your child have vision problems, call Dr.Silani or book an appointment online for treatment.
