What is ‘lazy eye’?

Many of our patients ask about ‘lazy eye’ disorder (amblyopia). Some of them mistakenly take it for short-sightedness (inability to see distant objects). Short-sightedness (myopia) along with hyperopia and astigmatism can be cured with laser surgery, which unfortunately cannot be used to treat amblyopia, neither can glasses or contact lenses.

Amblyopia is a disorder which involves decreased vision in one or both eyes. It may develop as a consequence of either crossed eyes (strabismus) or big difference in refraction between (usually when the difference between the right and the left eye is bigger than 3D) while the anatomical structure of the eye remains intact. The most common reason for appearance of amblyopia is case of strabismus in which one eye sees the right image while the other doesn’t. Despite the fact that the structure of the eye is correct, the brain does not receive image from that eye. Sometimes partial correction of the error in adult patient’s eye greatly improves both his visual acuity and quality of life. This difference can be lessened by means of laser vision correction.

An amblyopic person is not able to read the whole eye chart even when provided with full optical correction (glasses).

There are several levels of amblyopia:

• low (0.4−0.8);
• medium (0.2−0.3);
• high (0.05−0.1);
• very high (0.04 and below).

Patient can be diagnosed with amblyopia by an ophthalmologist after examination of visual acuity, mobility of eyeballs and ability to see with both eyes. The examination is done after application of special eye drops – which allow for much precise testing. The best period of treatment of amblyopia is before sixth birthday. If the patient is not treated throughout this period he will suffer from amblyopia for the rest of his life.

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