Vision Therapy for Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Amblyopia or “lazy eye” is a neuro-developmental vision condition that begins in early childhood. It can also develop in people as a result of a traumatic brain injury or neurological condition.
Those with amblyopia tend to have reduced eyesight in one eye, even when wearing corrective glasses or contacts.
If left untreated, this condition can impact a child’s success in work, school, sports and social interactions, which in turn may affect their self-esteem and confidence.
Traditionally, patching the better-seeing eye was the only method used to treat amblyopia. However, this can be very uncomfortable for the child, has limited results past a certain age and does not develop the patient’s normal binocular vision or depth perception.
What is Lazy Eye?
A “lazy eye” is not at all lazy or weak.
Research has shown that amblyopia is caused by the brain’s inability to use both eyes as a team. As a result, the brain actively ignores the incoming information from one of the eyes.
Further to poor visual acuity, those with amblyopia are prone to difficulties with depth perception, eye movements related to reading and using their vision for every day tasks.
A lazy eye is likely to be just as strong as the other eye, but because of impaired binocular vision, the signals from the amblyopic eye to the brain have been turned off.
It is important to note that a child with amblyopia can show no symptoms. It is therefore imperative to undergo functional eye exams to identify whether the child has or is at risk of developing amblyopia, particularly if a child is frequently squinting, or shutting one eye, or if problems arise in reading or maintaining focus during school or on the sports field.
Amblyopia is treatable at any age, although the earlier the problem is found and treated, the more successful the outcome tends to be.
What are the Symptoms of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)?
- Squinting or shutting an eye
- Difficulties with 3D depth perception
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Tripping and/or balance problems
- Trouble with smooth eye movements
- Slower reading speed and comprehension
How does Vision Therapy Treat Lazy Eye?
Vision therapy improves the patient’s visual acuity, binocular vision, visual processing abilities, reading fluency and depth perception.
This evidence-based program consists of individually prescribed and monitored exercises aimed at developing visual skills and visual processing, made up of regular in-office appointments and (often) a series of assigned at-home daily exercises.
The length of the program can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the diagnosis and patient compliance.