Lazy Eye Specialist

Great Neck Opticians

Optometry located in Great Neck, NY

If one of your child’s eyes seems to wander independently of the other, they may have lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia. This condition, which is usually diagnosed in children under 7, reduces their vision, so it requires correction as early as possible. At Great Neck Opticians in Great Neck, New York, experienced optometrists Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, and Eleonora Tamayeva, OD, offer a variety of lazy eye solutions, from corrective eyewear to surgery. Book your appointment online or by phone now.

516-990-2985

Lazy Eye Q & A

What is lazy eye?

Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a condition causing reduced vision in one eye. The affected eye, called the lazy eye, moves differently than the other eye. Usually, it wanders in or out. Lazy eye is the No. 1 cause of decreased vision in children today. Most lazy eye sufferers are under the age of 7.

Why does lazy eye happen?

Lazy eye is tied to poor vision development. Usually, it means your child is unable to use their eyes as a team. Conditions that can make it difficult or impossible to use eyes together include crossed eyes (strabismus), significant vision differences between the two eyes, or, in rare cases, cataracts or other physical obstructions.

When vision problems occur in one eye, your child tends to naturally learn to rely exclusively on the other (healthy) eye for sight. This leaves the problem eye unused, and that often leads to lazy eye.

What are the symptoms of lazy eye?

If your child has lazy eye, you may notice that one eye seems to move differently than the other. Your child may also cover one eye when reading or focusing, or they might tilt their head to the side frequently.

Children with lazy eye may appear to be clumsy or accident-prone because they might bump into objects that they don't see. Many children who suffer from lazy eye also have poor depth perception.

How does the eye doctor diagnose lazy eye?

Dr. Pinkhasova or Dr. Tamayeva typically performs a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose lazy eye. If you suspect lazy eye or another visual impairment, having the eye exam sooner rather than later is important.

What is the treatment for lazy eye?

Lazy eye treatment at Great Neck Opticians can include:

Corrective eyewear: Either glasses or contact lenses, may include a specialized filter over the strong eye
Eye patches: Patching over the healthy eye, which helps your child build strength in the weak one
Prescription eye drops: Help encourage reliance on the weaker eye

If your child needs it, Dr. Pinkhasova or Dr. Tamayeva can refer them to vision therapy experts who can help them rebuild their vision through special training exercises. Surgery may be the right answer for severe lazy eye, but it's only needed in cases where children don't respond to other therapy.

Use the online scheduler or call Great Neck Opticians to get help for lazy eye now.

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