Will My Child's Lazy Eye Resolve on Its Own?

You want the best for your child and are willing to do what it takes to correct their lazy eye, but is treatment really necessary? Keep reading to learn if your child will grow out of their lazy eye or if they need professional help.

Most kids can wait until they’re 6 months old to see the eye doctor for the first time. But if you notice signs that something is off with their vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sophia Barnes in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Barnes has established a thriving local practice, Vision Corner, that outpaces corporate optometrists by providing patient-centered services like unrushed exams, longer appointments, advanced technology, and a comfortable, welcoming environment.

She also takes great care of your kids. Our pediatric eye exams are positive and warm, and Dr. Barnes and our staff go out of their way to ensure your child enjoys their first visit — because we know that sets the tone for all future eye exams and a lifetime of great eye health.

Often, Dr. Barnes can detect eye problems that haven’t yet begun to show symptoms, and catching them early is critical to successful treatment. One of those potential pediatric eye conditions is called lazy eye, also known as amblyopia.

Here, Dr. Barnes explains this condition and what you can expect from treatments.

What is lazy eye?

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a vision disorder that occurs when one eye has reduced visual acuity due to inadequate use. It’s the most common cause of reversible vision loss in children, affecting three out of every 100 kids.

The condition usually affects only one eye and develops due to an imbalance between the two eyes or other optical problems. Symptoms can include:

Head tilting
One eye that wanders outward or inward
Poor depth perception (bumping into things)
Eyes that track together
Squinting
Shutting one eye
Favoring one side of the body
Droopy eyelid

Your child might also complain about blurry vision, double vision, and difficulty focusing or reading, and they may have trouble with vision screening tests at school.

Will lazy eye go away on its own?

No, lazy eye won’t resolve on its own; your child needs professional treatment. The good news is that early treatment is highly successful — especially if your child is 7 years old or younger — because the communication pathways between their eyes and brain are still developing.

Fortunately, Dr. Barnes has extensive experience helping children overcome amblyopia. The proper treatment depends on the nature of the condition. Here are the most common approaches to amblyopia.

Corrective eyeglasses

Corrective lenses help when one eye is either farsighted or nearsighted. Glasses or contact lenses correct the vision in that eye and allow both eyes to work together.

Eye patch

Wearing an eye patch over the dominant eye allows the weaker eye to catch up developmentally.

Bangerter filter

This is like an eye patch that fits on the inside of your child’s eyeglasses. It performs the same function as a traditional eye patch but doesn't require a strap.

Eye drops

Eye drops called atropine work like a liquid eye patch. The drops blur the vision in your child’s dominant eye, causing the weaker eye to work harder and get stronger.

Eye training

Dr. Barnes may suggest eye training as part of your child’s treatment. This involves games and activities that challenge the weaker eye. Some studies show that even certain video games can be effective amblyopia treatments.

If you have concerns about your child’s vision or your pediatrician suspects your child has a lazy eye and has recommended an eye exam, we would love to be your child’s eye doctor. Contact us at Vision Corner soon. Dr. Barnes and our team are ready to help.