WHAT CAUSES LAZY EYE?
Lazy eyes (amblyopia) are caused by imperfect visual development in the brain. The human brain needs visual stimulation to fully develop. Everything that can interfere with the sight of one eye, during the period from birth to age 8 can cause amblyopia. The most common causes are nearsightedness or farsightedness, squinting, or anything that blocks the child's view (for example, descending eyelids, cataracts in children). Lazy eyes (amblyopia) usually only affect one eye, but if both eyes do not get good visual stimulation for a long period of time, then this condition can occur in both eyes. Early diagnosis will improve the success of therapy because, after 8 years, visual impairment has the potential to survive. Conversely, if a child does not experience amblyopia until he is over 8 years old, it seems he will not suffer from this disorder.
HOW TO DETECT LAZY EYES
To find out about this, you need to see an ophthalmologist. Refraction tests are carried out to see if the use of glasses will improve visual acuity. If vision cannot be corrected with the use of glasses, the doctor will look for conditions that cause vision problems, such as corneal scarring, cataracts or retinal problems. Consult a doctor if you feel you or your child may experience lazy eyes. This condition is easily diagnosed.
THERAPY TO TREAT LAZY EYES IN CHILDREN
First, if there is a refractive disorder, the child needs to use the right glasses at all times. Furthermore, children need to be motivated to try to use these lazy eyes. This is usually done by closing the healthy eyes for several hours every day. Therapy may take several months or even years, and it will be more effective if it starts early. If amblyopia is detected late (more than 8 years), it is difficult to restore normal conditions. Therefore, it is important to check your child if you or a school health worker suspect a problem like this.