Condition

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

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What it is

Amblyopia develops when one eye sends a weaker image to the brain during early childhood, so the brain begins to favour the other eye and vision in the weaker eye does not develop fully. It is the most common cause of reduced vision in children.

Common symptoms

There are often no obvious signs, which is why childhood vision screening is important.

  • Reduced vision in one eye
  • An eye that turns in, out, up or down (a squint)
  • Poor depth perception
  • A child closing or covering one eye, or tilting their head

Causes and risk factors

Amblyopia is usually caused by a squint, a large difference in the glasses prescription between the two eyes, or something blocking vision in one eye, such as a childhood cataract or droopy eyelid.

Treatment

Treatment first corrects any underlying problem, for example with glasses or treating a cataract. The weaker eye is then encouraged to work, usually by patching the stronger eye or using blurring drops in it. Results are best when treatment starts in early childhood.

Practical guides

Children's eye healthVision screening, spotting a squint, and sensible screen-time habits for growing eyes.

Treatments & Surgery

Amblyopia treatmentPatching, glasses, or eye drops that help a weaker eye develop better vision in childhood.Myopia controlTreatments to slow short-sightedness progression in children, including ortho-k, atropine drops and outdoor time.Vision therapyStructured eye exercises and training for convergence problems, amblyopia and some squints.Strabismus surgerySurgery to adjust eye muscles and improve alignment in children and adults with a squint.ROP treatmentLaser, injections or surgery for severe retinopathy of prematurity when screening finds treatable disease.

Frequently asked questions

Can a lazy eye be corrected in adults?

Amblyopia responds best to treatment in early childhood while vision is still developing. Treatment in older children and adults is harder and less predictable, which is why early detection matters.

How is a lazy eye treated?

Treatment usually involves glasses to correct focus, then patching the stronger eye or using blurring drops in it to encourage the weaker eye to work.

Is a lazy eye the same as a squint?

No. A squint is when the eyes point in different directions, while amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye. A squint can cause amblyopia, but they are not the same thing.

Your next step

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Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

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Sources for this information

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