Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a vision disorder that affects how the brain and eye work together. It usually develops in childhood when one eye does not achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contacts. If left untreated, the brain may start to ignore signals from the weaker eye, leading to long-term vision problems. At Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA, we provide comprehensive eye exams to diagnose and manage amblyopia effectively.
Causes of Amblyopia
This condition occurs due to an underlying issue that affects normal vision development. Some common causes include:
• Strabismus – A misalignment of the eyes that makes them point in different directions, causing the brain to rely more on one eye.
• Refractive Errors – Significant differences in prescription strength between the two eyes, leading the brain to favor the stronger one.
• Obstruction – Conditions such as cataracts or a droopy eyelid that block clear vision in one eye.
Symptoms to Watch For
Amblyopia can be difficult to detect without an eye exam, but some signs may indicate a problem. These signs include poor depth perception, one eye wandering inward or outward, frequent squinting, and difficulty focusing. Children may not always notice vision problems, which is why regular exams are important for early diagnosis.
Treatment Options
The goal of amblyopia treatment is to strengthen the weaker eye and encourage the brain to use both eyes together. Some treatments our optometrist may recommend include the following:
• Eyeglasses or Contacts – Correcting refractive errors to improve vision.
• Patching Therapy – Wearing a patch over the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to work harder.
• Eye Drops – Blurring vision in the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker one.
• Vision Therapy – Exercises designed to enhance eye coordination and focus.
Contact Atlantic EyeCare for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of amblyopia, our team at Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA, is here to help. Contact us at (757) 340-7070 to learn more about our effective solutions and to schedule your visit. When you need a trusted optometrist near you, we’re dedicated to providing the care you deserve.