Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is an eye condition that is common in young children. Without early diagnosis and proper eyecare, it can highly impair your child’s vision and even blindness. At South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, we provide comprehensive eye exams to accurately diagnose lazy eye and offer treatment that will help preserve your child’s vision.
What Is Amblyopia and How Does It Occur?
Amblyopia is a vision issue that often occurs in one eye, however, it can sometimes be present in both. When there is a problem in communication between the brain and the affected eye, vision will be poorer in that specific eye. As a result, the stronger eye is relied on more and causes your vision in the weaker eye to become even worse.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Amblyopia?
If you notice that your child shuts one eye often, tilts their head, or squints often, they may have amblyopia. It’s important to have your child visit our optometrist yearly for an exam so that we check their eyes for the condition.
How Is Amblyopia Treated?
Treatment for this condition involves strengthening the weaker eye. Your child will wear an eye patch on the stronger eye or using prescription eye drops that temporarily make the stronger eye’s vision blurry. Both of these treatment options help the brain rely on the weaker eye, which makes the weaker one stronger.
It’s vital to begin treatment when your child is young and while their vision is still developing. Delaying treatment will make it less effective and make the condition worse. Due to this, it is essential that your child receives annual eye exams, as it they allow our factors to detect, diagnose, and treat amblyopia early.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you’re concerned that your child might have amblyopia, our team at South Center Eye Clinic in Tukwila, WA, is happy to help. We will evaluate your child’s condition and provide the necessary treatment that will improve their vision. To schedule your appointment, contact us at (206) 431-8770 today!