Lazy eye, also known as ‘amblyopia,’ affects approximately 3% of kids and is the leading reason for visual loss in adolescents. A widespread misunderstanding concerning lazy eye syndrome is that it is only an aesthetic issue that will resolve itself. Sadly, without effective therapy, a lazy eye will continue to develop and diminish vision quality with time. To help you debunk some common misunderstandings about amblyopia, the Beverly Hills, CA lazy eye specialists discuss some of the commonly asked questions. Read on to learn more.
What Leads To A Lazy Eye?
One of the most frequently asked topics concerning the lazy eye is its genesis. A lazy eye is a condition where one eye does not function in synchronization with the brain, resulting in impaired vision. For this reason, the brain favors the eye with superior visual quality. Without therapy, the lazy eye may wander, prompting it to move to the side, up, or down.
On the other end, refractive amblyopia does not often compel the eye to wander, and even if one eye sees better, they stay symmetrically aligned.
Lazy Eye vs. Crossed Eyes
Unlike amblyopia, which can lead one eye to wander and seem ‘lazy,’ strabismus forces both eyes to gaze in opposite directions, resulting in a ‘cross-eyed’ look. Even though one eye can occasionally look straight, both eyes will never align, and the misalignment might vary from one eye to another.
At What Age Does Lazy Eye Manifest?
Typically, kids acquire a lazy eye around birth and seven years. The eyes require time to adjust and learn how to correctly concentrate on colors, motion, and light after birth. However, when a kid has amblyopia, one eye is utilized significantly more, resulting in the weaker or ‘lazy’ eye having impaired vision.
Nonetheless, a kid could be more susceptible to developing a lazy eye if:
- They were smaller than typical at birth
- They were prematurely born
- They have developmental issues
- They have a genetic history of lazy eyes or other eye disorders
What Vision Disorders Can Lead To A Lazy Eye?
Injuries and disorders affecting the optic nerve or eye can also result in a lazy eye. Common culprits include:
- Retina disorders
- Refractive errors (astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness)
- Cataracts
- Optic nerve injury induced by conditions like Glaucoma
- Ptosis (sagging of the upper eyelid)
- Having cornea scarring
What Are The Signs Of Lazy Eyes?
Among the most prevalent symptoms and indications of lazy eye include:
- Misalignment in one eye
- Trouble accessing an object’s proximity or distance
- Constantly rubbing eyes
- Low visual-motor coordination
- Frequent eye blinking or fluttering
- Blinking or closing one eye
- Poor ability to track an item with the eyes alone (not tilting the head)
- Continued head tilting
- Constant head trembling
Nonetheless, it could be hard for parents to detect a problem unless a kid has obviously misaligned eyes or prefers one eye over another. Besides, numerous youngsters could be unaware that one eye provides superior vision to the other. Thus, it is crucial to schedule regular checks with your eye specialist if you observe something peculiar, no matter how mild it might seem.
Do you suspect you could be afflicted with a functional vision disorder like the ‘lazy eye?’ Do not sit back as this concern could result in significant complications later on, such as permanent vision loss if not corrected. Depending on the severity of your lazy eye, the eye specialists at Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center will work with you to develop a bespoke care plan. Call the Beverly Hills, CA office or use the online booking tool to schedule an initial consultation today.