Lazy eye (amblyopia) is a condition that is very common in children. In fact, millions of children are diagnosed with this condition every year. It manifests as an unevenness of vision that is caused by the brain using one eye to a greater extent than the other. This results in the child having much clearer vision in one eye. Additionally, the eye muscles in the less-used eye tend to weaken.
The most common treatment for lazy eye is patching. This simple, effective method involves wearing a patch over the stronger eye for a set period of time daily. This forces use of the weaker eye, thus strengthening the muscles. In addition to patching, eye exercises are often recommended. In this article, we will discuss the value of eye exercises, provide information about other amblyopia treatments and offer some valuable resources. Read on to learn more on how to fix lazy ye.
How Do Eye Exercises Work?
Exercises can be especially helpful when the patient is very young or has a developmental disability that would cause extended wearing of the patch to be difficult. Eye exercises can be diverting and enjoyable. Using them can strengthen both eyes and result in better overall vision.
Exercises are effective for children and adults and can even be used by people who are not suffering from amblyopia. Naturally, if you are treating lazy eye, you should discuss your choice in exercises with your doctor to be sure of developing a therapy program that will be most effective.
Exercises for lazy eye may include:
- Coloring specially designed images
- Solving visual mazes
- Reading exercises
- Using play charts
- Working puzzles
- Central Fixation
- Video games
All of these exercises are enjoyable and valuable in retraining and strengthening the eye muscles. Generally speaking, a couple of five minute sessions daily, along with use of an eye patch should bring about positive, measurable results within a couple of weeks.
Are Exercises Only For Kids?
All of the exercises mentioned can be adjusted for people of any age level. While it was thought in the past that exercises would only work for children under six, recent studies have shown that patience, perseverance and a positive attitude can result in success for adult patients.
What About Surgery?
Many people believe that laser surgery can treat amblyopia; however, this is not really true. It can be used to treat strabismus and tropia, which manifest as misaligned pupils; however, it is not a solution for amblyopia.
A magnetic therapy known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can be effective. This therapy is performed by pulsing a magnetic beam through the cranium and into the part of the brain that controls vision. This therapy is painless and quick (15 minutes) and can provide temporary relief. Vision exercises should still be used to truly strengthen the eye muscles.
Take Eye Health Seriously
Eye exercises are always a good idea, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you can solve serious eye problems on your own. If you or your child are experiencing vision difficulties, be sure to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis greatly enhances your chance of successful treatment.
References
45 Lazy Eye Exercises: This book provides exercises for children who have been diagnosed with amblyopia. Amazon.com
Specially Designed Coloring Pages: Free Download https://drpatch.ca
