Lazy Eye2025-04-10T11:34:22+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

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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.

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Patient Reviews

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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.