Call Us

Highland, MI White Lake, MI

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

  • Home
  • About
    • Our Practice
    • Meet the Doctor
  • Services
  • Eyewear & Lenses
  • Patient Center
    • Patient Forms
    • Insurance
    • Testimonials
    • Promotions
    • Request An Appointment
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
Eyecare Connection
Highland, MI White Lake, MI

Amblyopia

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as a “lazy eye”, is described as a reduced vision in one eye compared to the other. There are some rare forms of amblyopia that involve both eyes. Amblyopia is the most common cause of partial or total blindness in one eye in children.

The term lazy eye is misleading because the eye is not actually lazy. In fact, it is a developmental problem in the nerve connecting the eye to the brain, affecting the brain’s ability to use both eyes together. It is not a problem in the eye itself, but in the brain which actively ignores the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading to amblyopia in that eye.

In addition to poor visual acuity, people with amblyopia are more prone to having difficulties with depth perception, eye movements related to reading, and visual decision making while driving.
 

What Are The Causes of Amblyopia?

Amblyopia develops in childhood due to:

  • Significant differences in the prescription (refractive) status between the two eyes due to nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism;

  • Constantly misaligned eyes or crossed eyes (strabismus);

  • An obstruction of vision in early childhood i.e. cataract, ptosis (droopy eyelid)
     

It is important to note that, because amblyopia is typically a problem of infant vision development, symptoms of the condition can be difficult to detect. Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye over the other, an eye turn (either upward-downward outward or inward) or a tendency to bump into objects on one side.

The best way to identify children who are at risk for or already have amblyopia is by performing comprehensive eye examinations.
 

How Is Amblyopia Treated?

Amblyopia can be treatable at any age, although the earlier the problem is found and treated, the more successful the outcomes tend to be.

Amblyopia

Many children who have anisometropia or unequal vision, do not know they have an eye problem because the stronger eye and the brain compensate for that shortage. Over time, the weaker eye gets progressively worse, and amblyopia develops.
 

Treatment may include

Glasses

To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Glasses may also correct an eye turn. Sometimes, glasses solve the amblyopia, and no further treatment is required.
 

Cataract surgery

If a cataract is the cause of amblyopia, it can be removed surgically under either local or general anesthesia.
 

Correcting droopy eyelids

In some cases, amblyopia is caused by an eyelid that is blocking the vision to the weaker eye, in such cases, the usual treatment is surgery to lift the eyelid. Once the vision is corrected and any underlying medical issues are treated, then there are several other ways to help improve vision and getting the lazy eye to work,
 

Using an eye patch

For the better-seeing, an eye patch may be required for several hours each day or all day long and may continue for weeks or months. A child should be encouraged to do close-up activities while wearing the patch, such as schoolwork, reading, or coloring. (Patches can be made colorful and fun to help the child accept it)
 

Atropine eye drops

Used to blur vision in the unaffected eye. Atropine is usually less awkward for the child, compared with a patch, and can be just as effective. Thus, children who cannot tolerate wearing a patch may be prescribed eye drops instead.
 

Vision exercises

This involves different exercises and games to improve vision development in the child's affected eye which may be done in combination with other treatments.
 

Surgery

It is sometimes performed to improve the appearance of an eye turn, resulting in better alignment of the eyes. This may or may not improve vision.
 

When should children be checked for amblyopia?

Amblyopia often starts before there are any obvious signs that something is wrong. This is why babies and young children should have their eyes regularly checked. According to research, children should have eye examinations at the following times:

  • Before the child is 3 months old

  • Between 6 months and 1 year of age

  • At 3 years of age

  • At 5 years of age
     

If there are any concerns that the child may be suffering from or developing a “lazy eye,” have him/her examined right away. Children with a family history of amblyopia are at a higher risk for developing it themselves.

Early diagnosing and treating increases the chance for a complete recovery. Amblyopia will not go away on its own. If not diagnosed until the preteen, teen or adult years, treatment will take longer and is often less effective. The sooner the treatment begins, the better.

Quick Links
  • About Us
  • Our Services
  • Meet The Doctor
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
Helpful Articles
vision therapy
services
contact lenses
eyeglasses
eye health
surgical procedures
products
eye surgery co-management
ocular disease management
technology
  • Comprehensive Eye Exam
  • Diabetic Related Eye Exams
  • Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome
  • Best Foods for Eye Health
  • Vision Therapy
  • Latisse Eyedrops
  • How Exercise Benefits the Eye
  • Keratoconus and Your Treatment Options
  • Overview of Common Ocular Diseases
  • Sports Vision
  • Considering Your Face Shape When Choosing Eye Glass Frames
  • EyePromise
  • Pediatric Eye Exams
  • Amblyopia
  • Contact Lens Exam
  • MacuHealth
  • Importance of Routine Eye Exams
  • How Your Eyes Change with Age
  • Scleral Lenses
  • Ortho K
  • OCuSOFT
  • Myopia Management
  • MiSight
  • Eye Safety Tips
  • iLux
  • Seasonal Allergies And The Eyes
  • Dry Eye Treatment
  • Common Eye Disorders Explained
  • Glaucoma Testing
  • Cataracts
  • Eye Emergencies
  • Benefits of LASIK
  • Implantable Contact Lenses
  • Low Vision
  • Demodex
  • Pink Eye
  • Macular Degeneration
  • What to Expect During an Eye Exam
  • Refraction Test
  • Limbal Relaxing Incisions
  • iDesign Custom Lasik
  • Am I a candidate for LASIK?
  • LASIK Co-Management
  • LASIK Procedure
  • Cosmetic Services
  • Vision Therapy: Conditions
  • CLE
  • Blephex
  • Dry Eye Advanced Diagnostic Testing
  • Corneal Refractive Therapy
  • Lens Technology
  • Lumenis Optilight IPL
  • Ocular Aesthetics
  • Presbyopia
  • Optos
  • Surgical Co-Management
  • Strabismus
  • Visual Field
  • TearCare: Understanding Dry Eye and Its Causes
  • Astigmatism
  • Avulux
  • Atropine Drops
  • Multifocal Contact Lenses
  • MiBo Thermoflo
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Optikam
  • Senior Care
  • Types of Daily Contact Lenses
  • Low Level Light Treatment
  • Lipiflow
  • TempSure Envi
  • Tonometer
  • Urgent Eye Care
  • EnChroma Lens Technology
  • Medical Eye Exam
  • Retinal Imaging Testing
  • Specialty Contact Lenses
  • Tyrvaya for Dry Eye Relief
  • Optomap
  • Cataract Surgery Co-Management
  • Colored Contacts
  • Eyelid Hygiene
  • Hybrid Contacts
  • Neurolens
  • Post-Surgical Contact Lenses
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome
  • Glaucoma Treatment
  • Understanding PRK
  • Which Patients are Good Candidates for Premium IOL
  • Can Diet Reverse Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Eye Disease Treatment
  • Why Should You Consider Eyelid Rejuvenation
  • LASIK Surgery
  • Overview of Visian ICL
  • All Eye
    Care Services

    Learn More

    Keep
    In Touch

    Contact Us

    Highland, MI

    White Lake, MI

    Highland, MI

    2942 E Highland Road
    Highland, MI 48356
    (248) 887-4175
    (248) 889-2298
    Monday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
    Tuesday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
    Friday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: Closed

    White Lake, MI

    9135 Highland Rd Ste 7
    White Lake, 48386
    (248) 666-9700
    (248) 666-0378
    Monday: By appointment only
    Tuesday: By appointment only
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: By appointment only
    Friday: By appointment only
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: Closed
    © 2025 Eyecare Connection. ​All Rights Reserved. Accessibility Statement - Privacy Policy - Sitemap
    Powered by:
    Roya

    Appointment Request

    At Eyecare Connection, we provide the highest quality eye care to all our patients. Schedule your appointment today.

    Thank you. We will connect with you shortly.
    You are missing required fields.
    Dynamic Error Description
    There was an error processing this form.

    Thank You!

    We've copied your review, after you click 'Publish' please paste your review by selecting 'ctrl' + 'v' into the review comments section.

    Publish to Social

    Login


    Forgot Password?

    OR

    Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


    Looking to create an account ?
    Already have an account? Login

    Save Search


    Saved Searches

    Modal title

    One fine body…

    Update Profile