Amblyopia (Lazy Eye); Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

How Doctors Reach A Diagnosis

The only way to accurately detect and diagnose amblyopia is during a routine eye examination. While some general physicians may be able to conduct basic eye exams, parents may also wish to seek out an optometrist who can perform a thorough exam on their child’s eyes.

These exams typically include asking about the family medical history of eye conditions, looking for eye abnormalities (e.g., reaction to light, eye position), and examining how the eyes focus on and track objects. The optometrist may also employ reading charts or refraction tests (changing lenses in front of the eyes to detect which are clearer using a handheld light). Reading charts are only suitable for children who are old enough to read. The refraction tests can be adapted for babies, as some doctors will employ eye drops to help prevent the eyes from changing focus during the test, eliminating the need for a verbal response. They will also look for evidence of an eye turn since strabismus is a common cause of amblyopia.

When Children Should Get An Eye Exam

Most children in the United States will receive a vision test by the time they are six years old. However, it is essential for children to have a thorough eye exam before this to ensure their eyes are developing correctly. Ideally, every child should have a thorough exam before they are a year old, especially if there is a family history of eye conditions such as cataracts, strabismus, and glaucoma. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends, aside from an initial check at birth, children should have their eyes checked by six months, again at three years old, when they reach school age and every two years after that. The only variations on this are when a problem, such as amblyopia, is detected, at which point it becomes a case-by-case basis and parents should follow the doctor’s recommendations.