What is a “lazy eye?”

The medical term for “lazy eye” is AMBLYOPIA: a healthy eye that does not see. The eye became amblyopic either because the eyes were crooked or one eye had a very different refractive error than the other. To eliminate double vision the brain preferred to use one eye only.

Patching the GOOD EYE during childhood is the most common method to force an amblyopic eye back
to duty. Patching has no effect on the eye muscles per se; it simply forces the brain to use the unpatched
eye. Most authorities claim that amblyopia must be corrected before age 4. After that deadline, the visual apparatus is fully matured and no additional improvement in vision should be expected.

There are always exceptions! Interestingly, should a person with poor vision due to amblyopia lose sight
in their GOOD EYE, the vision should return in the amblyopic eye – even in adults. Therefore, it is important
to always wear eye protection. You never know when you’re going to need that second eye.

Past age 8, amblyopia does not progress – the final vision stabilizes. If you sense a decrease in the vision
in either eye, do not blame it on the amblyopia. There is some different explanation. If you haven’t had a
comprehensive eye evaluation for several years this would be an excellent time to get a precise refraction

Serving Coral Springs and South Florida

Dr. K is the premiere eye doctor and professional sports & athletic optometrist based in Margate, FL.

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Monday   9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Tuesday  9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wed        9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Thursday 9 A M. to 5 P.M. Friday      9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

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Dr. Steven R. Koganovsky | Board Certified Optometric Physician
101 North State Road 7 Suite 103      Margate, Florida 33063
Office Telephone 954-972-6934      Fax 954-972-6946