What is Lazy Eye?

One of the more common questions I receive is “What is a lazy eye?”  The term lazy eye encompasses several different ocular diagnoses.  The most common of these is strabismusStrabismus is defined as a misaligned eye in any direction – in, out, up, down.  It usually presents with one eye pointing either in (cross-eyed) or out (wall-eyed).   To treat eye turns, we can use eyeglasses that incorporate prisms that shift the image being seen or we can opt for a surgical realignment.   Another form of lazy eye is called amblyopia.  Amblyopia is a decrease in best corrected vision based on poor ocular development.  This poor development can occur due to a constant eye turn (strabismus), different prescriptions between the eyes, uncorrected vision, or from an opacity in the visual system.  To treat amblyopia, we treat the underlying cause and then typically start a vision therapy program.  Vision therapy consists of different eye exercises designed to help the affected eye(s) perform better.  Lastly, lazy eye can refer to a drooping upper eyelid which is called ptosis.  Ptosis can have several causes ranging from trauma to cranial nerve palsies.   To treat ptosis, we once again determine the underlying cause and treat that.  If that does not completely resolve the ptosis, then a surgical lifting of the eyelid may be performed.  All three of these diagnoses are not exclusive and often we will see more than one with cases of lazy eye.  As always, if you have any questions or would like to be evaluated, please do not hesitate to contact us.