Lazy Eye Treatment from Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is an eye disorder that affects around 3 in 100 children. It happens when one or both eyes are not receiving clear signals from the brain. Over time, the brain begins to rely more and more on the stronger eye, leaving the weaker or "lazy" to get worse. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing lasting vision issues in affected children as they grow up.
In many cases, parents don't know their child has amblyopia until their child's vision is tested, which is why it is so important to get your child's vision checked regularly. Children often can't communicate issues they may be having with their vision, either because they're simply too young to describe what they're seeing, or because they don't know anything is wrong. However, an eye doctor will be able to spot issues like amblyopia and start treatment right away.
Under the guidance of Dr. Manpreet Chhabra, an expert pediatric ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience, Alamo Pediatric Eye Center is devoted to providing exceptional care for children struggling with amblyopia. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to see the world clearly, which is why we're committed to offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs and circumstances. With Dr. Chhabra's expertise and the help of our dedicated team, your child will receive the best possible care to help them overcome their vision problems.
Treatment for Lazy Eye in San Antonio, TX
Symptoms & Treatments for Amblyopia
Amblyopia can be difficult to detect, especially in young children who may not be able to communicate their vision problems. However, there are some common symptoms that parents and other caregivers should be aware of:
- One eye wandering inward or outward
- Squinting or closing one eye when focusing on an object
- Head tilting to one side while looking at something
- Poor depth perception or difficulty judging distances
- Struggling with reading or other close-up tasks
- Frequent rubbing or touching of the affected eye
If you notice these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Chhabra. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to lifelong vision problems, but with early intervention, the condition can be successfully treated. This is also why regular vision screenings are recommended for every child between the ages of 3 and 5.
Treatments for a lazy eye typically involve re-training the brain by encouraging it to use the weaker eye. The more the weaker eye is used, the stronger it gets. The most common way of achieving this is by covering the stronger eye with an eye patch, which forces the weaker eye to work harder than it usually does. However, other options like special eye drops may also be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes amblyopia?
In many cases, there might not be any clear cause of a child's amblyopia. However, sometimes a different eye condition is the underlying cause. Some of the most common eye conditions associated with amblyopia include strabismus (crossed eyes), cataracts, and refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Does your practice offer lazy eye correction surgery?
Amblyopia is not treated with surgery, but if a child's lazy eye is the result of strabismus, another eye condition that causes the eyes to be misaligned, then corrective surgery may be necessary. Dr. Chhabra will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your child's vision issues.
Will my insurance cover treatment for a lazy eye?
At Alamo Pediatric Eye Center, we take immense pride in our commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive eye care for all children. We understand that healthcare costs can be a significant concern for many families, which is why we are pleased to accept most insurance plans, ensuring that your child receives the vital eye care they need without causing financial strain.
How can I get started with the best lazy eye doctor near me?
We always aim to make requesting an appointment as simple and convenient as possible. You can request an appointment with us online, or if you'd prefer to talk to someone, give us a call at 210-624-8282. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable date and time for your child's appointment.