Early lazy eye treatment more effective

The treatment of amblyopia or lazy eye especially in its moderate to severe forms is more successful if performed in younger ages, a new study suggests. Amblyopia, the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye, is unrelated to any eye-related problems and is not correctable with lenses. The condition is the leading cause of vision problems in children and if not detected and treated early in life, can contribute to loss of vision and depth perception. According to the findings published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology, the outcome would be better if the treatment is provided between the ages of three and seven rather than seven and 13. Although the treatment was less effective in older children, the improvement was considerably substantial as significant cure was reported in certain cases. "Earlier is still better, but you still can treat late," said study co-author Michael Repka at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Treatment for lazy eye begins through first addressing any underlying eye conditions responsible for poor vision. Thereafter, the good eye is covered with a patch for two hours a day or given vision-blurring eye drops to force the weaker eye to work.