Amblyopia or the "Lazy Eye"

QUESTION: Our daughter came home with a note from the school nurse informing
us that she may be suffering from amblyopia, and suggested we take her to an
ophthalmologist. What can you tell us about this condition?
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ANSWER: Amblyopia is the most common preventable form of vision loss, and is
marked by reduced vision in one eye without an apparent physical condition as
its cause. Often, the brain is unable to combine the information it is
receiving from both eyes, and simply disregards one of the two visual signals,
leading to the condition known as "lazy eye." Amblyopia is diagnosed in
children through standard eye tests, and in infants by alternately covering
each of the eyes; if the infant is upset when one eye is covered but not the
other, there is a strong likelihood of vision loss in the uncovered eye.
Treated early with corrective lenses or vision therapy, the "lazy eye" can
learn to be equally effective, and prevent a lifetime of impaired sight.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.