At Richens Eye Center in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, patients are cared for by a team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists. When it comes to learning about lazy eye and seeking treatment, you’re in expert hands.
What Is Lazy Eye?
A lazy eye happens when one eye does not develop normal vision during early childhood. The brain starts to favor one eye over the other, which weakens the connection to the underused eye. This isn’t always obvious at first, especially if both eyes appear to look straight.
Common Causes of Lazy Eye
There are a few different causes of lazy eye. Each one disrupts normal visual development in slightly different ways:
- Strabismus: This is when the eyes are misaligned. If one eye turns in or out, the brain may ignore the image from that eye to avoid double vision.
- Refractive Differences: If one eye has much better vision than the other, the brain may rely more on the stronger eye and ignore the other.
- Vision Obstruction: Sometimes, things like a droopy eyelid or pediatric cataract can block vision in one eye and lead to amblyopia.
- Family History: If a parent or sibling had a lazy eye, a child may be more likely to develop one, too.
- Eye Injury or Trauma: Damage to the eye, especially in early childhood, can interfere with normal visual development.
Early diagnosis makes a big difference. Treatment is most successful during the early years when the visual system is still developing.
When to Call an Eye Doctor
Watch for signs like frequent squinting, tilting the head, or complaints about blurry vision. Even if your child seems fine, a routine eye exam can catch issues early, sometimes even before symptoms show up.
Treatment options may include prescription glasses, patching therapy, or vision exercises, depending on the cause and severity.
Helping Southern Utah and Mesquite Families See Clearly
Richens Eye Center provides expert pediatric and adult eye care across Southern Utah and Mesquite. Call to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you:
- St. George/Downtown: 435-986-2020
- St. George/Sunset: 435-628-1112
- Mesquite, NV: 702-346-2950
- St. George/Little Valley: 435-900-3937
Healthy vision starts with a conversation. Let’s make sure everyone in your family can see clearly.
