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

Early Detection To Prevent Complications

Early detection is key to preventing long-term or permanent complications of amblyopia. The common complications of failing to detect amblyopia are partial or complete vision loss in the affected eye and central vision not developing correctly, which can negatively affect the ability to perform specific tasks. Where strabismus is the cause of amblyopia, the eye turn can become permanent when left untreated during the child’s early developmental years. These complications become increasingly more likely the longer amblyopia goes undetected, as treatment becomes incredibly difficult after the child turns seven years old.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical treatment for amblyopia varies based on the specific cause as well as the severity of each case. If the cause is due to a droopy eyelid, for instance, parents are often referred to an ophthalmologist who will perform surgery to lift their child’s affected eyelid. Cataracts causing amblyopia an also be removed through cataract surgery, and if strabismus caused the amblyopia, an operation to strengthen the eye muscles and realign the eyes might occur.