Treatment for Amblyopia and Strabismus

Glasses are commonly prescribed to improve focusing or misalignment of the eyes.

 

Along with correcting the underlying cause of amblyopia, it is necessary to strengthen the vision in the weak eye. This may be done by patching or covering one eye for a period of time ranging from a few weeks to as long as a year. The better-seeing eye is patched, forcing the "lazy" one to work, thereby strengthening its vision. Regular visits to the eye specialist are necessary to measure improvements in the amblyopic eye. The greatest improvements come when patching is started before the child is three years old. This treatment may be recommended, however, at any time - especially before 6 years of age.

 

Medication in the form of eye drops or ointment may be used to blur the vision on the good eye in order to force the weaker one to work. 

 

Surgery may be performed on the eye muscles to straighten the eyes if nonsurgical means are unsuccessful. Surgery can help in the treatment of amblyopia by allowing the eyes to work together better. It may be necessary for the surgery to be repeated.

 

Eye Exercises (orthoptics), a limited form of treatment, may be recommended either before or after surgery to correct faulty visual habits associated with strabismus and to teach comfortable use of the eyes.