Amblyopia near Chicago, IL

Amblyopia (or lazy eye) is a condition that develops when one eye becomes weaker than the other as a result of a disconnect in the brain. In some cases, the brain starts to prefer the stronger eye more over time, causing the weaker eye to shift inward or outward. Amblyopia can be diagnosed and treated in patients of any age, although it typically develops in babies and children. When lazy eye is treated in the earlier stages, it is possible to prevent the condition from progressing any further. The skilled team of ophthalmologists at Kirk Eye Center offers treatments that can help correct lazy eye and strengthen a patient's vision. If you or your child has had symptoms of lazy eye, we encourage you to contact our office in River Forest or Gurnee, IL for an appointment.

With lazy eye, the eyes do not work in sync together so one eye often appears to wander inward or outward while the other eye remains normal. In babies and younger children, it is common for the child to cry when the stronger eye is covered. Additional symptoms can include abnormal results on vision tests and difficulty with depth perception. In some younger children, lazy eye can only be detected through a comprehensive vision exam.

Lazy eye can often signal an underlying ocular condition, such as muscle imbalances, cataracts, or refractive errors (astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness). Other certain vision conditions that cause eye strain, squinting, or blurriness could contribute to developing lazy eye.

Once lazy eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, our team can offer a variety of treatment options to improve eye health. For patients who have lazy eye caused by a refractive problem, corrective eyewear or an eye patch may be used to help strengthen the weaker eye. Prescription eye drops could also be used. For patients whose issue is caused by muscle imbalances or cataracts, we may recommend corrective surgery. Our ophthalmologists will determine the correct treatment for lazy eye based on each patient's unique case.

Can amblyopia be treated in adults?
While amblyopia is primarily treated during childhood, some vision improvement may still be possible in adults. Treatment options for adults may include vision therapy, prism glasses, and sometimes surgery to correct misalignment.

Is amblyopia a permanent condition?
If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision impairment. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment at Kirk Eye Center, the visual acuity in the affected eye can often be improved significantly.

Can amblyopia recur after successful treatment?
There is a small risk of amblyopia recurrence, particularly if the underlying cause, such as misaligned eyes or uncorrected refractive errors, isn't addressed. Regular eye examinations and monitoring at our Chicago, IL-area offices are essential to detect any changes and provide timely intervention.

If you suspect you or your child might have symptoms of lazy eye, it is important to seek proper care from a trusted eye professional. Because amblyopia is more simple to treat when caught early, we recommend having an exam at Kirk Eye Center as soon as you notice symptoms. We offer a variety of options for improved visual acuity at our facilities in River Forest and Gurnee, IL.