Question:
Is surgery available for an adult with a lazy eye?

Answer:
To an ophthalmologist, a lazy eye is one that is anatomically normal but was denied a clear image in infancy and childhood.  Since the areas in the brain corresponding to that eye were not stimulated, they did not develop, and the vision in that eye is permanently impaired.  This is why we recommend early removal of cataracts. correction of drooping eyelids (ptosis), strabismus surgery,etc.  We were taught that the magic age by which these procedures needed to be performed was seven, and the sooner the better. However, it is not uncommon to get some improvement in older children, and adults who have injury to their good eye sometimes gain a little improvement in the lazy one.

The medical term for this condition is amblyopia ex anopsia, or just amblyopia. Since the eye is anatomically normal, there is no way for anyone looking  at someone with a lazy eye to know that something is wrong.  Worse yet, with both eyes open, the child does not notice a problem.  Therefore, it is imperative that small children be examined by an ophthalmologist preschool and earlier, especially if there is a ptosis, eyelid tumor, white pupil, strabismus (see below), or family history of amblyopia.

Unfortunately, many nonmedical people refer to an eye which is not in alignment with its partner a "lazy eye," but this condition is actually strabismus.  Normally, both eyes should be aligned with the object of regard in all fields of gaze.  As I mentioned above, strabismus is often a cause of lazy eye, and parents are often confused about this, especially when they are understandably concerned about their small child.  The amblyopia must be treated before the child has surgery.  Adults can benefit from strabismus surgery, as it restores their self image and builds confidence and can improve depth perception to some degree.

Consult a comprehensive ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation if you have any further questions which would require more specific evaluation and recommendations.

Answered by:
Richard G Shugarman, MD

Categories:
Eye Diseases, General Eye Health