Can you fix a lazy eye?

Lazy eye can be fixed with the best outcomes if detected early in life (up to seven years of age).
Neuroscience has proven that the human brain can change at any age (neuroplasticity); hence, fixing amblyopia is possible at any age. However, if detected before the age of 17 years, amblyopia can be fixed to some extent using eyeglasses, eye drops, and eye patches.
What is a lazy eye?
Lazy eye or amblyopia is a condition in which one eye has poor vision due to a lack of coordination between the brain and eye. Over time, the brain favors the stronger eye, leading to permanent vision loss in the weak eye. Amblyopia affects three out of 100 children.
What causes a lazy eye?
Some of the most common causes of a lazy eye:
- Refractive errors: In this condition, one eye has a good focus compared to the other. The other eye may have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or blurry vision (astigmatism). This can lead to the brain favoring the stronger eye, ultimately, leading to vision loss in the weaker eye.
- Strabismus (squint): In this condition, the eyes don’t move together as a pair. One eye might drift in and out.
- Cataracts: This condition causes cloudiness in the lens of the eye, blurring vision. It mostly occurs in older people, but in some cases, babies and children can also develop cataracts.
- Ptosis: A drooping eyelid can obstruct vision.
Who is at risk of getting a lazy eye?
Factors that increase the risk of getting a lazy eye are:
- Premature birth
- Family history of amblyopia
- Low birth weight
- Developmental disabilities
What are the symptoms of lazy eye?
Symptoms of lazy eye include:
- Lack of depth perception
- Squinting or shutting one eye
- Head tilting
How is lazy eye diagnosed?
Vision testing should be done before they are school-age. The doctor might check the eyes to make sure that:
- Both eyes see equally
- Both eyes move in pair
- Nothing blocks the light coming into their eyes
Visual acuity tests or examinations with cycloplegic drops may be necessary to detect this condition early.
How is lazy eye treated?
Treatment for amblyopia should begin as early as possible to prevent permanent blindness. Depending on the cause, the treatment might involve:
- Correction of vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The doctor might prescribe glasses to help their eye to focus.
- Wearing an eye patch over the stronger eye forces the brain to use the weak one. This therapy might improve your vision in a few days.
- Atropine eye drops to blur the strong eye forcing the brain to use the weak eye. This therapy replaces the need for an eye patch.
- A Bangerter filter placed over the lens of the stronger eye can blur the vision of the stronger eye.
- Surgery might be preferred to treat cataract or strabismus

SLIDESHOW
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Can You Fix a Lazy Eye Related Articles
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia is a vision-related condition. An eye does not acquire normal visual acuity even while using prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, develops during infancy and early childhood. Mostly, lazy eye occurs in just one eye. However, in certain circumstances, both eyes may have decreased visual acuity.Are Lazy Eyes Genetic?
From a child’s birth until their 18th birthday, the brain and eyes form crucial connections. Genetics can play a role in causing lazy eyes. In case of a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye), it is better to consult an eye doctor at two years of age. Lazy eyes mainly occur in children and should be treated early.Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) Eye Surgery
Astigmatic keratotomy is an eye surgery to correct astigmatism. Check out the center below for more medical references on eye conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.Dry Eye Quiz
What causes dry eye? Take this quiz to learn about dry eye syndrome and what can be done about it.What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.Common Eye Problems
Eye diseases can cause damage and blindness if not treated soon enough. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, pink eye, macular degeneration and more.Eye Symptom Meanings
Will your eye condition clear up, or is it a warning sign of a critical eye health issue? Learn about common eye symptoms, what they could mean, what you can do about them, and when to see your eye doctor.Watery Eyes
Always tearing up? Everyday things can make your eyes water, but so can some medical conditions.Eye Picture
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid and vitreous. See a picture of the Eye and learn more about the health topic.Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses
Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful for those who require multiple distances or focal lengths for near and intermediate tasks. OTC sunglasses should offer 100% protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. OTC magnifying glasses are useful for viewing tiny objects or fine print.Eye Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.Laser Eye Surgery
How does LASIK work? Get information on this popular laser eye surgery, the procedure, success rates, and possible vision side effects from LASIK eye surgery.LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery is a procedure in which a laser is used beneath the corneal flap to reshape the cornea. This process is used to treat refractive errors, improve vision, and eliminate or reduce the need for contact lenses or glasses. LASIK eye surgery comes in three main types: conventional LASIK, wavefront-optimized LASIK, and wavefront-guided LASIK.LTK Laser Eye Surgery
LTK is a type of laser eye surgery that is used to treat farsightedness and astigmatism. The procedure involves using a laser to shrink and reshape the cornea. Potential side effects include sensitivity to light and the sensation of having a foreign object in the eye.Sty (Stye)
A sty is a bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of a blocked gland. Styes may be caused by infections, burns, or trauma to the eyelid. Most styes resolve on their own. The application of warm compresses can speed healing. In some cases, steroid injection or incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the area clean and consuming a diet high in omega-3-fatty acids may help prevent the formation of styes.