Lazy eye or amblyopia is the result of having eyes of mismatched strength or health. Essentially, the brain favors communication from one eye because it relays sharper or more consistent information. As the brain continues utilizing one eye over the other, the weaker eye continues to decrease in strength and ability.
To treat amblyopia, you’ll need to first schedule an appointment with your eye care professional and ask about coping with lazy eye. The root of your treatment plan is strengthening your weaker eye, intensify your brain’s neurological activity and foster a solid communication pattern between your nervous system and weak optic nerve.
Without prompt treatment, lazy eyes can cause irreversible symptoms including blindness. If a child is diagnosed and begins treatment before 6 years of age, he or she will likely make a full recovery. However, treatment beyond corrective lenses is usually necessary because of the disease’s associated neurologically active process. When you speak with your eye care professional, he or she may recommend one of the following treatment techniques:
Approximately 4 percent of children suffer from amblyopia and the condition is easily detected with a routine eye examination. Recovering full visual health is dependent on timely action at an early age. If you have any concerns, give us a call and make an appointment.
Dr. Lampard graduated from optometry at Pacific University in Oregon in 1981. He and his wife Lorraine have three grown children, all born and raised in Red Deer. Tom enjoys cycling, curling, cross country and downhill skiing, and golfing. He also keeps busy volunteering for the United Way, has been a chairman of the Alberta College of Optometrists, and director of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.
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