A turned eye, or strabismus, is when the two eyes do not point at the same place. Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, is when one eye does not develop normal vision because the brain has learnt to rely on the other.
The two are linked. A turned eye is a common cause of amblyopia, but amblyopia can also develop with no turn you can see, for instance when one eye is much more long-sighted than the other.
Vision develops through childhood. Amblyopia responds best to treatment while the visual system is still developing, which is why finding it before school age makes such a difference.
Often there are no signs at all, and it is found only at an examination.
Age-appropriate tests measure the vision in each eye separately and check how the eyes work together. Drops are used in young children when further assessment is required.
Glasses come first where the prescription is the cause. Patching or drops may be used to strengthen the weaker eye. Where surgery for a turn is being considered, Remy refers to a paediatric ophthalmologist and stays involved in the ongoing care.
Your child’s first appointment sets the baseline. You will leave understanding what was found, the plan and how often your child needs to be seen.
