How to Treat Lazy Eye
About 2 to 3 percent of the population suffers from Amblyopia or lazy eye. It is a form of visual impairment in which the brain favors one eye over the other. If diagnosed early, then options exist to treat it successfully and prevent future problems.
Instructions
Treat the underlying cause. Glasses are often prescribed as a first choice to improve the focusing of both the eyes.
Exercise the eyes as suggested by the doctor. This activity may help the patient learn how to use both of them successfully.
Consider surgery to straighten the muscles. This option is usually performed when non-surgical options fail to work.
Cover the lazy one with a patch for a period of time. This tactic may be for weeks or up to a year and forces the impaired one to work and strengthen vision. New studies indicate that shorter periods of wearing the patch may be just as effective.
Use drops or ointments that cause the good side to go blurry. This option will force the other to work harder and hopefully make it stronger.
Treat with newly identified options. Atropine drops placed in the eye seem to be as effective as a patch.
Research vision therapy. The goal is not to strengthen the eye muscle because it is believed to be strong already. It is a combination of different therapies done in the physician's office that are modified for each patient.