Amblyopia (Lazy Eye); Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

How Doctors Reach A Diagnosis

The only way to accurately detect and diagnose amblyopia is during a routine eye examination. While some general physicians may be able to conduct basic eye exams, parents may also wish to seek out an optometrist who can perform a thorough exam on their child’s eyes.

These exams typically include asking about the family medical history of eye conditions, looking for eye abnormalities (e.g., reaction to light, eye position), and examining how the eyes focus on and track objects. The optometrist may also employ reading charts or refraction tests (changing lenses in front of the eyes to detect which are clearer using a handheld light). Reading charts are only suitable for children who are old enough to read. The refraction tests can be adapted for babies, as some doctors will employ eye drops to help prevent the eyes from changing focus during the test, eliminating the need for a verbal response. They will also look for evidence of an eye turnsince strabismus is a common cause of amblyopia.

Continue reading to learn about when children should receive a thorough eye exam.