Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Treatment

Most paediatricians test vision as part of a child’s medical examination. They may refer a child to an ophthalmologist if there is any sign of an eye condition. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Paediatrics recommend the first vision screening occur in the hospital as part of a newborn baby’s discharge examination.Visual function (including ocular alignment, etc.) also should be checked by the paediatrician or family physician during routine well-child exams (typically at two, four, and six months of age). Later amblyopia and repeat alignment screenings should take place at three years of age and then yearly after school age. If you suspect your child suffers from decreased vision: 1. Amblyopia (poor vision in an otherwise normal appearing eye), refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness), or strabismus (misalignment of the eye in any direction). 2. If there are hereditary factors that might predispose your child to eye disease, please make an appointment with our paediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 3. New techniques make it possible to test vision in infants and young children. 4. If there is a family history of misaligned eyes, childhood cataracts, or a serious eye disease, an ophthalmologist can begin checking your child’s vision at a very early age.

Adults should undergo eye examinations at the following intervals: 1. Individuals aged 18-39 with no vision problems or risk factors should have their eyes examined every 1-2 years. 2. Adults over 40 years old with no additional risk factors should schedule annual eye exams. 3. Patients with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or other systemic diseases, should undergo eye examinations every six months as they are more at risk of ocular complications. 4. Even individuals with glaucoma or a strong family history of glaucoma need prompt check-ups.