Can Laser Eye Surgery Treat Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?

Eye is a significant organ which works like a camera. It converts light energy into electrochemical impulses which enable an individual to see everything clearly. Weakening of eyesight may make it difficult to carry out daily routine tasks. According to latest reports, millions of people suffer from various types of eye disorders. Most common eye conditions include conjunctivitis, color blindness, amblyopia, and cataracts. These eye diseases can be easily treated with medications. However, a visual disorder which may lead to permanent loss of eyesight may require an eye surgery.

What is Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)?

Also known as ‘lazy eye’, amblyopia is a serious neurological condition that occurs due to improper development of eyes in infants. It has become a leading cause of visual disability among children. Amblyopia usually affects only one eye and cannot be corrected by glasses or lenses.

How Do Children Get a Lazy Eye?

Many research reveals that children may get an amblyopic eye condition due to developmental problem in brain. Following list depicts the most common causes of amblyopia.

• Constant Strabismus - Constant strabismus may fuel up the occurrence of a lazy eye condition. Strabismus refers to improper alignment of both the eyes. For instance, both the eyes may look in different directions while someone is viewing an object.
• Anisometropia - This is a serious eye condition in which both the eyes have variable power. One eye of the patient may be nearsighted in nature while the other may be farsighted.
• Physical Blockage Of Eyes - Conditions like cataract, severe eye trauma, tear duct problem, lid droop (ptosis) may accelerate the chances of a lazy eye condition.
• Congenital Disorders - Many eye specialists believe that lazy eye disorder can be caused due to various congenital disorders.
• Vitamin A - It has been observed that children having a deficiency of vitamin A are likely to suffer from an amblyopic eye problem.

Symptoms of Lazy Eye in Children - Detection and Diagnosis

Sadly, there are no significant symptoms of lazy eye in children. It may go unnoticed in most instances. Children may not be able to identify the vision problem in one eye. However, if parents observe abnormal eye turn or an inward and outward wandering eyes in their children, they should visit an eye specialist. Eye specialists may perform visual acuity evaluation test to determine the presence of amblyopic eye. Early diagnosis and eye treatment can render best beneficial outcomes.

How to Fix a Lazy Eye?

Parents should fix an appointment with a well-experienced ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Primary treatments for a lazy eye condition include atropine eye drops, visual-motor processing movements, essential eye exercises, and neurological training. If these treatment options fail to provide relief, then eye-specialists may recommend an appropriate eye surgery.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Suitable To Treat Amblyopia?

Laser eye surgery is not a suitable procedure to treat and cure a lazy eye condition completely. This surgical intervention can only help in refining the vision of child struggling with amblyopia. Children will continuously require wearing corrective glasses and taking eye drops following a laser eye surgery. Parents should frankly clear their doubts and concerns prior to surgery and do not keep any unrealistic expectations.