A lazy eye is a common ocular issue that many individuals have. Typically impacting one eye, this condition is also known as amblyopia. If you have a lazy eye or believe your child may be developing one, visiting your optometrist in St. Albert or scheduling an eye exam in Edmonton can provide answers and treatment options for stronger vision and visual control.
All About Lazy Eyes Understanding how this condition develops can give you peace of mind and help you strengthen your eye so that both operate to their full potential: 1. What It Is: Amblyopia is a result of an abnormal vision development in one eye. Nerve pathways fail to develop in both eyes, leading to fewer signals processed by the weaker eye. As the eyes fail to work together, the brain begins limiting signals to the lazy eye and it begins to wander. 2. Young Development: A lazy eye will typically develop within the first 7 years of a person’s life. It is the leading cause of decreased vision in one eye for youth but it should be addressed by an eye care professional as soon as possible. If you notice your child’s eye wandering, schedule an appointment with your doctor and Edmonton eye doctor. 3. Causes: This vision condition may be caused by an imbalance in muscles that are responsible for positioning and controlling the eyes or a significant difference in refractive error, such as farsightedness or astigmatism, between the two eyes. It can also develop due to different levels of visual ability between the eyes or deprived vision that can lead to permanent vision loss. 4. Symptoms: Crossed eyes, independent eye function, frequently tilting the head, squinting or shutting one eye in an attempt to see clearly, unusual eye exam results, and the unintentional wandering of one eye are all common symptoms that can indicate the presence or development of amblyopia or “a lazy eye”. 5. One Eye: It is very rare that ‘lazy eye’ will impact both eyes. Usually one is impacted and turns out or veers inward. 6. Treatment: Once diagnosed, your child should receive attention from an Edmonton optometrist as soon as possible. Eyeglasses, eye patches that improve the strength and control of the less dominant eye, special eye drops, surgery, and custom filters may all be used depending on the severity and degree of your child’s condition. Activity-based treatments and other corrective options are also available. Most children will experience improved vision within a few weeks or a few months of receiving tailored and consistent treatment. Treating your child’s amblyopia as soon possible will ensure the best possible outcome. Begin with an eye exam in Edmonton and get personal advice from your optometrist near St. Albert. Visit The Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. for customized and experienced treatment for any eye ailments or vision correction you require. We welcome new patients and are happy to provide treatment for every member of your family. Stop amblyopia from developing with the right eye care in Edmonton. Contact us online or come by one of our convenient locations to schedule your eye exam.