Lazy Eye2023-10-05T09:21:45+00:00

Lazy Eye In Children

CATCH IT EARLY FOR BETTER VISUAL OUTCOMES

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What is a lazy eye?

IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION

Everything you need to know about lazy eyes

IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

A lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a visual development disorder in which the vision through one eye fails to develop properly in early childhood. When both eyes are unable to work together to focus on the same point in space, it causes visual problems. 

A lazy eye can cause the brain to suppress one eye entirely so that normal depth vision does not occur. 

It occurs in approximately 1-5% of the population and is the most common cause of visual problems in children.

Symptoms include:

  • An eye that wanders inward or outward
  • Poor depth perception
  • Squinting or shutting an eye
  • Titling of the head

There are several different causes of amblyopia, including strabismus. This is where a child develops a turn in the eye, that causes the eyes to be misaligned. The brain may switch off the squinting eye causing the vision to deteriorate.

Other causes of amblyopia, include long-sightedness (common in children), short-sightedness and astigmatism. In addition, childhood cataracts can cause reduced vision in one or both eyes and may lead to a poor perception of depth.

We can diagnose amblyopia by checking to see if vision differs between the two eyes.

We will also do a complete medical eye exam to ensure there are no other eye problems that could be affecting vision.

If diagnosed before the age of 7 years, we can often treat amblyopia by placing a patch onto the better-seeing eye to improve vision in the lazy eye.

When patching is not possible, drops can be instilled into the good eye to blur vision, therefore enhancing the vision of the weaker eye.

Similarly, lenses can be used to blur the non-amblyopic eye.

If untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular follow-up is required with our Orthoptist while treatment is under-way.

Samer Hamada and Eye Clinic London enable patients to experience relief from their eye problems so they can focus on what matters most.

How my eye care services work for children

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS
A little girl sat on her mothers lap on the sofa whilst they use a laptop

STEP 1: CONTACT US

Give us a call or click the button below to book your child in for a consultation. Or, contact one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff to get answers to your questions.

a little girl and her father at an eye clinic appointment. They sat on a sofa smiling whilst talking to a medical professional.

STEP 2: LET’S MEET

Bring your child down to our clinic in London’s Harley Street district and we’ll conduct a thorough examination and consultation to see how we can help.

A photo of two women and a girl sitting on a sofa whilst smiling into the camera. The little girl is sat in the middle, the older woman is sat to the left of the girl and the younger woman is sat on the arm of the sofa in the background.

STEP 3: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

Have the confidence of knowing that a caring eye care professional is managing your child’s eye condition so they can get back to normal life.

Book a consultation to see how to best tackle your child’s eye condition. Call us or book a consultation online today

Even more information about vision correction for children

VIDEO AND BLOG POSTS ABOUT CHILDREN’S EYE CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS
  • a smiling baby looking up at their mother

Babies’ eyes: birth to 12 months

Much like learning to walk and talk, babies learn to see over time. Book a consultation to see how to best tackle your child's eye condition. Find out more.

Affiliations and memberships

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Patient Reviews

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”

Annabel Giles, Lens replacement

“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”

Tareq Kass Hout, Keratoconus
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
Ghiath Sumainah

“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”

Sam Brock

“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”

Laura Livesey, Dry eye

“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”

Timothy Thompson

“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”

Lisa & George, Keratoconus

“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”

Amy

“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”

Nat & Rich
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
V Nama
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
Isla Cully, Dry eye
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
Kathryn
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
Charmaine Ghafur

We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

A portrait image of Mr Samer Hamada wearing a suit and smiling

About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.

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