What Should I Do if My Child Has a Lazy Eye?
St. Hope Pediatricians • March 17, 2024
Discovering that your child has a lazy eye can be concerning for any parent. In addition to concerns about their long-term eye health, you might also be worried about things like how decreased vision quality may affect their education or bullying from peers.
Understanding the condition, its causes and available treatment options can help you reduce some of these concerns and give you the knowledge to effectively manage and improve your child's vision.
What Is a Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)?
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a common childhood vision disorder characterized by reduced vision in one eye. The condition typically occurs when the brain and eye do not work together properly.
A lazy eye can develop during infancy or early childhood. If left untreated, a lazy eye may even persist into adulthood, potentially leading to permanent vision impairment.
Causes of Lazy Eye in Children
Several factors can contribute to the development of a lazy eye in children, including:
- Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes where one eye turns inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards and is a common cause of lazy eye. The misaligned eye may become suppressed by the brain, resulting in reduced visual acuity.
- Refractive Errors:
Unequal refractive errors between the eyes, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, can lead to lazy eye. The brain may favor the eye with clearer vision, causing the weaker eye to become amblyopic over time.
- Visual Deprivation:
Conditions that obstruct or inhibit vision in one eye during critical periods of visual development, such as congenital cataracts or ptosis (drooping eyelid), can result in lazy eye. Lack of visual input to the affected eye can lead to reduced visual acuity and amblyopia.
- Family History: A family history of lazy eye or other vision disorders may increase a child's risk of developing amblyopia. Genetic factors can predispose certain individuals to vision problems. If there’s a history of vision disorders in your family, it’s likely in your child’s best interest to prioritize early detection and intervention.
Signs and Symptoms of Lazy Eye
In order to properly diagnose and seek treatment for lazy eye, it’s important to Identify the signs and symptoms. Common indicators of amblyopia in children may include:
- Misaligned or wandering eye (strabismus)
- Reduced visual acuity in one eye
- Poor depth perception or 3D vision
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Difficulty focusing or tracking objects with one eye
- Head tilting to favor one eye
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your child, be sure to consult with a pediatric eye care professional ASAP to receive a vision evaluation.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing lazy eye involves a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. During the evaluation, the eye care provider will assess visual acuity, eye alignment, refractive errors and overall eye health to determine the presence and severity of amblyopia.
Treatment options for lazy eye may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Common approaches to managing and treating amblyopia in children may include:
- Prescription Eyeglasses: Correcting refractive errors with prescription eyeglasses can help equalize vision between the eyes and encourage visual development in the weaker eye.
- Eye Patching or Occlusion Therapy: Covering the stronger eye with an eye patch or using atropine eye drops to blur vision temporarily in the dominant eye can stimulate visual activity in the weaker eye, promoting improved visual acuity over time.
- Vision Therapy:
Vision therapy exercises, such as eye exercises, visual-motor activities and binocular vision training, may be recommended to enhance eye coordination, depth perception and visual processing skills in children with a lazy eye.
- Corrective Surgery:
In cases of severe strabismus or structural abnormalities contributing to amblyopia, corrective surgery may be necessary to realign the eyes and improve visual function
- Early Intervention Programs: Participating in early intervention programs, such as vision screenings and pediatric eye care services, can facilitate the early detection and management of lazy eye in infants and young children.
Are You Concerned Your Child in Houston May Have Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is a treatable condition, especially when it’s diagnosed early and parents, pediatric doctors and vision specialists work together to implement an effective intervention plan to prevent long-term vision impairment.
If you suspect that your child may have a lazy eye, don't hesitate to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an eye care professional at St. Hope Pediatric.
Contact us today here on our website or give us a call at (713) 778-1300.
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Changing weather and environmental factors bring new health challenges for children. While many of these issues are common and temporary, they can still be headaches for parents. At St. Hope Pediatrics, we believe prevention and early care are key to navigating seasonal health changes in pediatric care . Colder Weather and Winter When temperatures drop, children tend to spend more time indoors, and that often means more exposure to germs. They’re also in school all winter, spending at least eight hours a day packed in with other kids. Winter ailments can spread like wildfire in those conditions, which is part of why they’re some of the most common. Common Winter Health Challenges ● Colds and flu : Viruses spread more easily in indoor environments with less ventilation, like classrooms. ● Dry skin and eczema flare-ups : Cold air and indoor heating both dry out the skin. ● Asthma aggravation : Cold air can trigger bronchospasms, making asthma worse. ● Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : Shorter days and less sunlight may impact mood, even in children. Tips for Winter Wellness ● Encourage frequent handwashing and teach them to cover coughs/sneezes. ● Use a humidifier to balance dry indoor air. ● Keep your child’s skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotion. ● Dress them in breathable layers to manage temperature changes. ● Ensure adequate daylight exposure or talk to your doctor about ways to ensure they get adequate vitamin D. Spring Allergies Spring brings beauty, like blooming flowers and budding trees, but also pollen. Seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are extremely common in children and can interfere with sleep, school and outdoor play. Common Spring Health Challenges ● Sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes. ● Coughing and throat irritation. ● Worsening of asthma symptoms. Tips for Childhood Allergy Management ● Keep windows closed during high-pollen days. ● Make sure they shower and change clothes after outdoor play. ● Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter if your child has severe allergy symptoms. ● Talk to your pediatrician about safe antihistamines or allergy testing. The Risks of Summer Heat While summer is a favorite season for many kids, the heat can pose serious health risks if not managed carefully. This is especially important since encouraging your child to go outside and be active is key to their growth and development. Parents should take steps to ensure they can get exercise safely. Common Summer Health Challenges ● Heat exhaustion or heatstroke , especially during intense outdoor activities. ● Sunburn caused by UV rays can damage young skin quickly. ● Dehydration is a constant threat as hot weather increases fluid loss through sweat. ● Insect bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other Texas pests are more common during the summer months. Tips for Summer Safety ● Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every two hours. ● Encourage frequent water breaks during outdoor play. ● Dress them in light, breathable clothing and hats. ● Use insect repellent and do tick checks after hikes or park visits. Fall Transition: Back to School, Back to Germs Fall brings cooler temperatures and the start of the school year, both of which can increase your child’s exposure to germs and stress. Common Fall Health Challenges ● Colds, coughs and early flu. ● Stomach bugs spreading at school. ● Stress-related symptoms like headaches and sleep changes. Tips for Fall Readiness ● Reinforce good hygiene habits. ● Make sure your child gets a flu shot early in the season. ● Establish a consistent sleep schedule to support immunity. ● Check in on how they’re doing since the transition back to school can be tough for kids. Keep Your Child Healthy Year-Round With Good Immune Support No matter the season, your child’s immune system benefits from good year-round healthy habits: ● A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. ● Regular physical activity. ● Adequate sleep of between 9 to 12 hours per day, depending on age. ● Staying current on vaccinations. ● Regular check-ups with your pediatrician. Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your child from seasonal health issues. A well-child visit is an ideal time to discuss allergies, asthma management, immunity and any concerns you have about upcoming seasonal changes. When to Call the Pediatrician ● Cold or allergy symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen. ● Your child has trouble breathing or wheezing. ● Skin issues become inflamed, painful or infected. ● They show signs of persistent or serious dehydration like dry mouth, no tears or dark urine. ● Fever lasts more than a few days or is very high. Our Houston Healthcare Facility Is Here for Your Child Every Season At St. Hope Pediatrics, we know that kids aren’t just small adults. They have unique needs, especially during seasonal transitions. Whether it’s managing seasonal allergies, preventing sunburns, treating coughs or just helping you build a strong health foundation, we’re here to support your family all year long. Call us at (713) 778-1300 or make an appointment here on our website to connect with a Houston pediatric doctor.
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