Strabismus and Amblyopia or 'Lazy Eye'
At New Vision Eye Clinic, we treat a wide range of ocular problems and visual disorders in children, as well as adults with strabismus. Our pediatric ophthalmologists’ expertise covers a broad array of eye problems typically found in children, including strabismus, amblyopia or ‘lazy eye,’ as well as more common vision problems requiring only corrective eyeglasses.
Strabismus
While strabismus can affect people of all ages, it is found most often in children. When young children develop strabismus, they typically have mild symptoms. They may hold their heads to one side if they can use their eyes together in that position. Or, they may close or cover one eye when it deviates, especially at first. Adults, on the other hand, have more symptoms when they develop strabismus. They have double vision (see a second image) and may lose depth perception.
There are a number of common misconceptions surrounding strabismus. Parents of children who suffer from strabismus are often told that there is no treatment for this condition or that treatments exist solely for cosmetic reasons. This is simply not true.
Recent advances are allowing doctors to bring the eyes back in line – improving and, in some cases, even curing the detrimental effects of strabismus. At New Vision Eye Clinic, we can help you determine the best method of treatment for your child.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during childhood. It is sometimes referred to as “lazy eye.” Usually only one eye is affected by amblyopia but occasionally both eyes can be affected. The condition affects 2-4% of all children and it is correctable if diagnosed and treated early.
Amblyopia is not always easy to detect without an eye examination. Frequently, children will not notice when they do not see well in one eye and parents will not see anything unusual about the eyes unless strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) is present. Thus, it is imperative that each child receive eye-screening exams frequently throughout childhood. This is usually done by a primary physician before the age of five or so, and then also by schools later in life. If a child is not receiving these routine checks, then he should be examined by an ophthalmologist, preferably by the age of four. If a family history of amblyopia or strabismus exists, then a child should be screened preferably by the age of two. Although vision can not be tested using an eye chart in infants and young children, an ophthalmologist can still estimate a child’s vision by examining visual behavior. Of particular importance is evaluating the visual behavior in one eye compared with the other. If amblyopia is detected, then a thorough search for a cause (see above) is undertaken with a complete, dilated eye examination.
Adult Strabismus
Although strabismus (the eyes not being straight) is often associated with children, adults suffer from the condition too.
There are a number of common misconceptions surrounding strabismus. For example, while adults do often seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, enhancement of image is by no means the only reason to seek care for this condition. Adult strabismus patients often see double, or suffer from other forms of visual impairment.
Fortunately, recent advances are allowing doctors to bring the eyes back into line, improving and in some cases even curing the detrimental effects of adult strabismus. Our center for adult strabismus specializes in adult eye muscle correction and other treatments for adult strabismus.
Our highly experienced ophthalmologists are known locally and nationally for handling the most difficult cases of strabismus. Here, baby and child friendly eye exams are used to detect strabismus and innovative approaches are used to straighten the eyes.
New Vision Eye Clinic doctors who specialize in Strabismus & Amblyopia are:
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of the above physicians, please call (8621) 6437 7445