Can Adults Be Treated for Lazy Eye?
We receive inquiries throughout the globe concerning amblyopia treatment for adults. The issue is always the identical: Am I too old for treatments for my lazy eye?
The answer remains the same people from all age groups, not just adults can be treated for amblyopia. It is frequently known as “lazy eye.”
To some people, it may be shocking news. This is because there’s been an unpopular and persistent belief within the public and even in the medical and scientific communities that people over eight years old aren’t eligible for amblyopia treatment for adults.
As optometrists who specialize in developmental eye care are here to inform you that this assertion is just not true. It is feasible for adults to receive treatment for lazy eyes.
What is Lazy Eye?
Lazy eye is a non-scientific name for amblyopia. The condition is caused by the inability of the eye to develop teaming. This is an essential vision skill that allows each eye to cooperate and focus on the same spot in space. If they do not then, either or both eyes not being able to see clearly.
Furthermore, since the brain does not develop the capacity to see clearly in either of the eyes or in both, the vision of an amblyopia patient can’t be improved by wearing glasses on their own.
Many people mistake “lazy eye” with an eye turn (sometimes called “crossed eyes”). This usually happens when one eye is focused on a particular object while the other is pointing in a different direction.
An eye turn is an additional condition known as “strabismus.” A person can have amblyopia without or with an eye turn an aspect that is discussed on our webpage about amblyopia.
What Causes Lazy Eye?
In the majority of cases of amblyopia, one eye just doesn’t see as well in the same way as another.
Why is this? Because of high levels of farsightedness and nearsightedness astigmatism, or the existence of a continuous eye movement The brain has repressed (or shut off) the signals in one eye. This adversely affects the development of clear vision.
The brain normally receives two images with slight angles and it blends them to create a 3D image. This is referred to as binocular sight. However, this is not the case with amblyopia.
The loss of information in one eye can negatively affect the developing binocular vision. This is why it is as if one eye is doing all the tasks of seeing. Therefore, another eye gets thought of by the term “lazy.”
Why Are Adults Misled About Lazy Eye Correction?
Amblyopia in adults is treated with an amalgamation of prescription glasses, therapy for vision, and sometimes, patching. Learn more about that below. Let’s first address the myth that treatment can only be effective with youngsters. Why is it that so many people are of this opinion?
They created a simulation of deprivation amblyopia by denying kittens access to one eye. This led to the discovery that the brain ignores signals coming from a nonfunctioning eye and will only process the images of the functioning eye.
However, the findings have been misinterpreted by many doctors to mean that after the vision is developed during an important period of time in the early years the visual abilities are permanent and cannot be upgraded.
Further Research Proves The Idea Wrong
Recent research has revealed that there is a completely new story. We understand that the wiring of the brain is able to alter at any point in time because of our choices and experiences.
A study, for instance, that was funded through the National Eye Institute (NEI) found that children aged 7-17 years old experienced improvements after being treated for amblyopia.
So Can Lazy Eye be Corrected in Adults?
Yes, it is. But what is the reason?
Whatever the age of a person the visual system comprising eyeballs, brain, and visual pathways can be trained due to the brain’s ability to change
In particular, for amblyopia, the visual ability that needs to be taught is binocular vision.
Keep in mind that poor binocular sight is the main reason behind amblyopia. Healthy binocular vision happens when both eyes are able to see the same and the brain is able to combine both images. If binocular vision is poor, both images can’t be integrated into one image, and the second image is left unnoticed.
Because of the process of brain plasticity, this does not have to be a constant state. This is the reason why brain plasticity is so important.
It is a fact that the treatment will be most effective if it is administered at a young stage. In general, the capacity for neuroplasticity decreases as you age.
But, it’s feasible at any time to improve the visual system and restore binocular vision, and correct amblyopia.
In a video review of this blog post, we look at the reasons the visual system must be trained.
Lazy Eye in Adults: Symptoms
Amblyopia is difficult to identify because there aren’t any visible indicators. (With the condition of strabismus, for instance, eyes could be crossed, or either turned inward or outward.)
Additionally, children who suffer from the condition don’t always realize that they can see clearly with one eye, but having difficulty with the other eye is unusual. It is therefore possible for the condition to remain and not be treated until adulthood.
While amblyopia isn’t a physical symptom, it does show signs that are noticeable, and may include:
- Problems with depth perception
- Eye strain
- Visual fatigue
- Headaches
Certain of these signs cause clumsiness or difficulties with throwing or catching objects. A person who is older may be able to bump into objects or experience problems when driving or assessing distances.
The only way to find out if someone suffers from amblyopia is to conduct an exam for functional vision. A functional vision test includes an extensive assessment of visual information processing binocular functions, and other visual abilities.
Treatment for Adults with Lazy Eye
Amblyopia (lazy eye) in adults is treated with three different approaches. It is important to note that any or all three could be necessary. In the end, it all depends on the specific medical condition.
- Vision therapy. The term “vision therapy” refers to a sequence of exercises and other activities to help enhance vision. For those suffering from amblyopia, it is a way to improve a person’s binocular vision. The most efficient method of treatment since it targets the primary reason for amblyopia.
- Glasses. Prescription lenses can be prescribed to improve the vision of binoculars. As we’ve mentioned in a previous article the proper prescription for lenses is crucial, since it’s essential to choose an eyeglass prescription that promotes binocular vision.
- Eye patching. In certain cases, it can be forced the weaker eye by blocking the preferred eye using special lenses, eye patches or drops for the eye could be prescribed.
Are There Lazy Eye Exercises for Adults?
In the course of optometric vision therapy exercises and other activities that help improve the vision of binoculars are prescribed. However, we warn people of online programs which promise miraculous cures for amblyopia by performing lazy exercises for the eyes.
The best way to treat the problem is to implement an individualized treatment plan for optometric vision therapy that is overseen by an optometrist who is specialized in developmental issues.
How Much Does Lazy Eye Surgery Cost?
The cost of treating a lazy eye may vary according to the extent of the problem and the insurance coverage. The majority of vision therapy programs last six to nine months. Learn more about the costs of vision therapy here.
Is There a Surgery for Adults With Amblyopia?
There isn’t a surgical treatment for amblyopia.
Rehabilitation From Adult Lazy Eye: Take the Next Step
Depending on the amblyopia’s intensity the condition can take a long time to cure. It reverses the course of suppression.
Although it is possible to improve your vision in adults, treatment for amblyopia requires determination and dedication because it generally requires more time to treat than children.
A good thing for those who suffer from amblyopia is that there is certainly a possibility of improvement in vision. However, there is no guarantee. Each case is unique, and every patient needs to be evaluated thoroughly using the Test of Functional Vision Test.
We highly recommend that you visit a developmental optometrist in order to find out if there is a treatment option for you.
