Amblyopia & Strabismus
Ambloypia (lazy eye) is poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood. It is sometimes called a "lazy eye." There are many causes of amblyopia including crossed eyes, extreme near or farsightedness or cataracts. The best time to correct amblyopia is during infancy or early childhood. If amblyopia is detected in the first few years of life, treatment is often successful. If treatment is delayed until later, reduced vision generally becomes permanent. Amblyopia can be treated by patching the stronger or normal eye to strengthen and improve vision in the weaker eye.
Strabismus (crossed eye) is a common eye muscle defect among children in which the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions, manifest by crossed eyes. The misalignment may always be present, or it may come and go. Treatment may vary from optical, medical or surgical therapy.
Children should be examined during infancy and preschool years to detect potential eye problems. This is particularly important if a relative has had strabismus or amblyopia.