Eye Turns & Lazy Eyes
It is perfectly natural for a parent to feel anxious and upset to find out that their child may have a turned eye, or a lazy eye. Many parents also find it confusing because they receive conflicting advice and opinions from well-meaning family and friends.
"It is often asked at what age should treatment no longer be attempted. The answer is, everyone deserves a chance! Age should not be a deterrent..."
(source – www.strabismus.org)
Common Terms
Strabismus - this means an eye turn. The eye can be turning in (esotropia) or out (exotropia). In very rare cases the eye may turn up or down (hypertropia). You may also hear the term squint used by eye surgeons. Up to 5% of people have a strabismus.
Amblyopia - this means reduced sight. Also known as lazy eye, and is often associated with strabismus, but may also be present without strabismus. Some people confuse conditions such as convergence insufficiency with lazy eye.
"While an eye-turn or strabismus may be pretty obvious, lazy eyes and small eye turns can go undetected without a proper vision exam."
What can be done to treat eye-turns or lazy eyes?
Both of these conditions are treatable to varying degrees. What many people don't realise is that vision therapy & glasses can be effective treatments for lazy eyes and eye turns. The best chance of success comes from early detection and treatment. While an eye-turn or strabismus may be pretty obvious, lazy eyes and small eye turns can go undetected without a proper vision exam.
Adults with lazy eyes or eye-turns have often been told that "nothing can be done" once you reach a certain age. While it is certainly true that earlier treatment is more successful and easier to do, age should not be considered a barrier to attempting treatment. One famous example is neurobiologist Sue Barry, who wrote the book "Fixing My Gaze". This is an autobiographical account of how Barry, through vision therapy was able to achieve 3D vision for the first time at the age of 48 years old.
The optometrists & vision therapists at Harmony Vision Care have many years of experience assessing and treating both children and adults with eye turns and lazy eyes. We assess infants from a few months old, so don't hestitate if you are concerned that your child may have a turn or lazy eye. Older children, teenagers and adults are also encouraged to have an assessment to determine if we can assist them to improve their vision.
Ages for Testing
Age is no barrier to testing or treatment. We used specialised testing equipment for babies, toddlers and young children. We recommend assessments at 6 months of age, 3 years old, and yearly from prep year. On top of this we recommend that your peace-of-mind comes first, so book in anytime you have concerns about vision or the possibility of an eye-turn.
Ph: 07 5520 5900