The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Rid of a Lazy Eye
Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a common vision problem that occurs in early childhood. It affects approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children. A lazy eye can lead to significantly reduced vision in one eye.
The purpose of this article is to provide information on the causes of a lazy eye, exercises to strengthen underperforming eye muscles, medical treatments, surgical procedures, and home remedies to correct a lazy eye. Additionally, we will discuss the potential psychological impact of a lazy eye and provide advice and resources for people struggling with this issue.
Medical Causes of Lazy Eye
Several physiological factors can cause a lazy eye, such as a high prescription, abnormal eye alignment, and cataracts. The brain will favor the stronger eye, resulting in a weaker, underperforming eye and leading to a lazy eye. In cases like this, without treatment, the brain will continue to rely on the stronger eye, rendering the weaker eye almost useless.
The causes of a lazy eye can vary, and some might not be directly linked to the eye itself. For instance, if a child has a minor stroke or nerve damage, the brain might suppress the vision in one eye. Genetics also play a role in the development of a lazy eye since it runs in families.
Non-Medical Causes of Lazy Eye
A lazy eye can also be caused by environmental factors or the lack of vision stimulation, such as a traumatic brain injury, premature birth, or deprivation of the brain’s visual input. According to studies, low birth weight babies who need oxygen help also stand a higher chance of developing this condition.
Moreover, not having regular eye exams or vision check-ups can cause an undetected vision problem, which could develop into a lazy eye.
Exercises to Strengthen Eye Muscles
The brain controls the eyes, and often, only one dominant eye will send signals to the brain when it comes to sight. However, with some essential exercises, it can strengthen underperforming eye muscles and gradually change the function of the brain.
Here are some exercises to try:
1. Focus Change: Hold a finger up at arm’s length, focus on it for a few seconds, and then shift the focus to an object further away. Keep doing this for a few minutes.
2. Eye Roll: Gentling roll your eyes up, down and around in both directions. Do this for 1-2 minutes, then blink for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.
3. Pencil Push-Ups: Hold a pencil at arm’s length and focus on it. Slowly bring the pencil closer to your nose without losing focus until it gets uncomfortable, and then move it away. Do this for 5-10 minutes.
4. Near and Far-Focusing: Keep a hand motionless at an arm’s distance while focusing on it. Then find an object, at least 8-10 feet away, and focus on it for a few seconds. Keep alternating for a few minutes.
5. Brock String: Hang a long string with several colored beads at intervals. Look at each bead and see if you can see every color. Move the string closer to your nose, making sure you focus on the bead while doing so.
Performing these exercises may improve one’s vision. Regular and consistent practice will yield better results.
Medical Treatments for Lazy Eye
If the exercises do not bring the desired improvement, medical intervention might be considered. Medical treatments include the use of patches or eye drops. A patch is worn over the dominant eye, forcing the brain to rely on the weaker eye to see better. This technique helps improve eye alignment and strength. Eye drops work similarly, causing blurry vision in the strong eye, which forces the brain to rely on the weaker eye.
Improvement resulting from such treatment methods occurs gradually. In most cases, it may take a few months or up to a year for one to observe results. Starting treatment as early as possible is ideal since children may have better outcomes than adults.
Surgical Procedures for Lazy Eye
When other treatments fail, or in cases where the condition is severe, surgery might be an option. There are different types of surgical procedures to correct lazy eyes. These procedures aim to improve eye alignment permanently, allowing both eyes to work together to create a clear picture. Procedures involve tightening and loosening specific eye muscles to make them work together better.
The results of surgical procedures are not immediately visible. But in six to eight weeks, both eyes should align correctly. Surgeons usually recommend a period of vision therapy after completing the procedure for quicker and better healing.
Home Remedies for Lazy Eye
Although no research proves home remedies can help, popular remedies include herbal or ginger compresses and using apple cider vinegar. Always ensure one is not allergic to the ingredients used. Diluting apple cider vinegar before use is crucial. It is always recommended to use such remedies along with other medical interventions or exercises.
Psychological Effects of Lazy Eye
People with a lazy eye may experience self-esteem issues and may feel different from others, affecting their quality of life. Additionally, children with a lazy eye may struggle with school, sports, and social activities, which can affect their overall development negatively. It is vital to address the psychological effects of a lazy eye in addition to treating the physical condition.
Children’s mental health is crucial to their academic and emotional success as they grow. Therefore, it is best to encourage them to seek professional help, such as counseling or guidance, to help them cope better with these adversities. Additionally, there are several support groups for lazy eye that can make people discover they are not fighting this alone.
Conclusion
A lazy eye is a vision problem that may lead to significantly reduced visual acuity in one eye, but it is treatable. While it is best to start treating a lazy eye during childhood, adults can also find improvement with diverse therapies. Regular eye exams, eye exercises, and recognition of the psychological impact of a lazy eye are essential to help people recover their sight and their self-esteem.
If you or your family member has a lazy eye, it is recommended to discuss the available treatment options with an eye specialist to determine the most suitable course of action.
