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Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) are closely related, but different eye conditions. It's easy to get these two conditions confused because strabismus is the most common cause of amblyopia, and amblyopia often occurs along with strabismus.
Thankfully, your eyecare specialist can treat both amblyopia and strabismus. Different treatments such as surgery, or wearing glasses can improve these functional vision problems. Let's take a look at strabismus vs. amblyopia side-by-side.
Understanding the Difference Between Strabismus and Amblyopia and What it Means in Chicago
If you suspect that you or your child may exhibit signs of lazy eye (amblyopia) or strabismus, you should get a professional evaluation in Chicago. Early detection is key to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
While misaligned eyes, commonly known in strabismus as crossed eyes, a squint, or wandering eye, are readily noticeable, amblyopia often doesn't present with visible clues.
In fact, amblyopia involves reduced visual acuity that glasses or contact lenses cannot correct, and it is not attributable to any underlying eye disease.
Strabismus Symptoms
Strabismus, often referred to as cross-eyed or squint, is a condition characterized by a misalignment of the eyes. Unlike amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, strabismus involves an observable deviation in eye position which can disrupt binocular vision.
This misalignment may cause one or both eyes to turn inwards, known as esotropia, or sometimes upwards or sideways, affecting one's visual perception.
The condition can manifest constantly or intermittently, impacting visual acuity which might be corrected with prescription lenses.
While strabismus is more frequently diagnosed in infants and young children, typically before the age of three, it’s important to note that the condition can also emerge in older children and adults.
Those with constant strabismus may experience less severe symptoms due to suppression of the visual input from the affected eye, which helps them avoid double vision and some eye teaming difficulties.
Despite such adaptation, several indicators are common among individuals with strabismus.
Symptoms include an observable turn of the eye, reduced depth perception, or eye strain that can lead to discomfort or even pain. In some cases, this can mirror the same kind of pain associated with Chicago-local allergens, making it uncertain to diagnose in the pollen-heavy seasons.
Furthermore, those affected may experience headaches, blurry or double vision, and fatigue, either localized in the eyes or more generalized.
Common symptoms include:
• Observable eye turn
• Poor depth perception
• Eye strain and/or pain
• Headaches
• Blurry or double vision
• Eye and/or general fatigue
Amblyopia Symptoms
Amblyopia, often termed lazy eye, is a visual condition characterized by diminished vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with lenses.
Amblyopia results from an early-life disruption in visual development, essentially when the eye and brain aren't coordinating properly. This lack of synchrony leads the brain to favor one eye over the other.
The neglected eye then becomes "lazy," generally displaying an inward or outward deviation that can compound the issue of poor visual acuity. While amblyopia is often confused with strabismus, they are two distinct conditions—the key difference is that with amblyopia, the reduced vision is directly linked to the brain's failure to fully acknowledge input from the lazy eye. In contrast, strabismus, known as a "squint," pertains to the misalignment of the eyes.
Consider the following amblyopia symptoms as potential risk factors that warrant professional evaluation: challenges performing coordinated movements, such as throwing and catching objects; a lack of depth perception; general clumsiness; a tendency to shut or squint one eye; head turning or tilting; and eye strain or fatigue, particularly when performing tasks that require detailed visual focus.
• Difficulty throwing and catching objects
• Poor depth perception
• Clumsiness
• Shutting or squinting the eyes
• Head turning or tilting
• Eye strain
• Fatigue with near-sighted work
Amblyopia Vs. Strabismus: Causes
Understanding the underlying causes of amblyopia (commonly known as lazy eye) and strabismus is essential for early identification and treatment of these vision conditions.
Risk factors for developing these conditions can include family history, premature birth, low birth weight, or certain medical conditions. It's crucial to identify and address these concerns promptly, as they can both lead to deficits in depth perception and, if left untreated, permanent vision loss.
At Kraff Eye Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating amblyopia and strabismus to help restore and preserve healthy eye functionality and vision for our patients. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago near Millennium Park and Washington Street, we strive to help our local community thrive and achieve the vision they’ve always wanted.
Amblyopia Causes
Understanding the risk factors and causes of amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is essential for early detection and treatment. Amblyopia can develop when there is a discrepancy in vision between the two eyes, often arising from refractive errors.
For instance, one eye may be more nearsighted or farsighted than the other, or there might be significant astigmatism leading to differing levels of visual clarity. In such cases, the brain may favor the eye with better focus, consequently neglecting the visual input from the "lazy" eye and preventing it from developing normally.
Strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not align properly, is another risk factor for the development of amblyopia.
The brain tends to ignore the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision, which can further inhibit the visual development of the affected eye.
Additionally, physical obstructions such as cataracts, or structural abnormalities like a severe ptosis that blocks an eye's visual field, can also lead to amblyopia by disrupting the eye's ability to process visual information accurately.
Strabismus Causes
This condition can also stem from refractive errors, notably farsightedness, and can be exacerbated by visual disturbances including the presence of a congenital cataract.
Certain illnesses that impact the muscle integrity or neural control of the eyes can increase the likelihood of developing strabismus.
Additional risk factors include premature birth and head injuries which can disrupt normal binocular vision development. In adults, the onset of strabismus might be triggered by damage to the eye, compromised blood vessels, or systemic conditions like Grave's disease.
Moreover, muscle and nerve disorders following a stroke can lead to disruptions in binocular coordination, leading to visual misalignment.
How to Know If Your Eye Condition is Strabismus or Amblyopia
Identifying whether you're dealing with a lazy eye, known professionally as amblyopia, or strabismus, can be complex, as both conditions may exhibit similar symptoms. Furthermore, as we get closer to allergy season in Chicago, several of these symptoms can also be attributed to the typical reactions to pollen.
At Kraff Eye Institute, we specialize in discerning these subtleties and are dedicated to preserving and enhancing your visual health.
It's essential to schedule an eye exam if you observe any vision-related irregularities, as these may signal either condition.
The initial step in managing these conditions is a thorough Functional Vision Exam which delves deeper than a standard eye test.
During a Kraff Eye Institute Functional Vision Exam, our experts dedicate 60-90 minutes to meticulously evaluate your eye teaming, eye alignments, eye focusing, and eye movements.
Our comprehensive approach ensures that we diagnose whether your symptoms are a result of amblyopia or strabismus and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Exploring Treatment Options for Strabismus and Amblyopia
Amblyopia Treatment
Experiencing any indications of visual discomfort necessitates a comprehensive assessment beyond what's typically offered in a standard eye examination. At Kraff Eye Institute, we understand the need for amblyopia treatment, often referred to as lazy eye.
Along with the leading optometrists in the Chicago area, we specialize in conducting a Functional Vision Exam to uncover the nuanced or pronounced visual challenges that may impair your day-to-day well-being and learning capabilities.
Spanning approximately 60-90 minutes, these exams are facilitated by our proficient ophthalmologists and delve deeper into visual functionalities that a routine checkup might overlook. Our commitment to cutting-edge treatment options and personalized therapy plans sets us apart as a premier eye care provider in Chicago.
If you’ve been struggling with signs or symptoms of lazy eye, or have noticed issues with eye alignment and focus, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. It's advisable to have an eye test every two years in the Chicago region.
Can LASIK Fix Amblyopia?
While LASIK surgery is an advanced treatment option for correcting certain visual issues such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, it’s not a direct remedy for amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.
Amblyopia is a complex condition where the eye and brain don’t work together as they should, leading to decreased vision in the affected eye.
LASIK enhances visual acuity by reshaping the cornea, but it doesn’t address the neural aspects of vision that are integral to treating amblyopia.
Nevertheless, by correcting refractive errors with LASIK, individuals may experience a reduction in the risk factors associated with the development of amblyopia.
Glasses are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for lazy eye to improve the alignment and focus of the eyes, but they can’t replace the tailored therapies designed to stimulate the brain-eye connection essential for clear vision.
The collaborative approach at Kraff Eye Institute ensures that your eye health is comprehensively managed, using a combination of cutting-edge surgery techniques and diligent follow-up care to optimize your vision.
Strabismus Treatment
At Kraff Eye Institute, we tailor each strabismus treatment to the individual needs of our patients. Understanding that the root cause of strabismus, often referred to as a 'squint', varies, our eye care professionals will assess and recommend the optimal treatment strategy.
Treatment plans may include precise prescription glasses designed to correct vision impairments associated with strabismus.
In instances where glasses alone cannot rectify the condition, targeted therapy to strengthen ocular muscles or specialized strabismus surgery may be advised.
Our skilled ophthalmologists are proficient in delicate eye muscle surgery, which realigns the muscles to enhance vision and correct misalignment. It's critical to initiate treatment promptly, as early intervention can significantly increase the chances of a full visual recovery.
If you suspect a squint or have concerns about your vision, engage in therapy and explore treatment options with us without hesitation. Remember, early detection and treatment are critical to the successful management of strabismus.
Can Glasses Fix Strabismus?
When it comes to treating strabismus, often referred to as a squint or being cross-eyed, glasses may play a role in the correction of visual issues associated with this condition.
Prescription lenses can potentially aid in aligning the eyes and enhancing binocular vision, which is pivotal for achieving proper eye coordination.
However, it's important to clarify that glasses alone may not suffice for all cases of strabismus. In some instances, combining glasses with other treatment methods such as vision therapy or surgery may be necessary to attain optimal results.
The specific approach to treatment will depend on the underlying causes of the strabismus and the individual's unique visual needs.
The Importance of Ophthalmology in Diagnosing Eye Conditions
Strabismus and amblyopia can be corrected, but it’s critical to catch them early. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for your young children, particularly before they reach the age of four, in hopes of catching any potential issues early.
If you experience any of the symptoms described above, or if you notice them in your child, be sure to reach out to our team at the Kraff Eye Institute. We’re Chicago’s trusted specialists in eyecare, and we offer a range of vision correction and treatment options.
Call us now at (312) 444-1111 to schedule an appointment.
FAQ
How common is strabismus?
Strabismus is a common eye condition affecting between 2%—4% of adults and children. It usually appears in infants and young children by the time they are three to four years old. However, older children and adults can also develop it.
Does amblyopia get worse with age?
Without treatment, an amblyopic eye will get worse over time. While treatment can happen at any age to restore binocular vision, it's ideal before the age of seven when the connections between the brain and the eyes are still developing.
Is amblyopia genetic?
Yes, amblyopia may be genetic. If you have a family history of lazy eyes consult an eye doctor to make sure your eyes are in good health. If you have amblyopia and you suspect your child may have it, taking them to see an eye care professional is recommended.
How long does it take to correct a lazy eye?
It depends on the treatment. For most patients, vision improves within a few weeks to a few months.
Can you go blind from strabismus?
Yes, the deviating eye becomes weak from not being used, which may eventually lead to blindness if strabismus isn't treated properly. This is because over time the brain will learn to ignore the image from the turned eye.
