Amblyopia

My son is 27 months old (2years and 3 months) and was diagnosed with Amblyopia in right eye in May this year.  We have seen first doctor in May 2008 and she prescribed him glasses and patching the correct eye.  Although was very hard to patch him and we went to see the same doctor again after 4 months and she did the routine check and still suggested the patch but did not tell anything about surgery till that point.  Recently, about two weeks ago we went to different doctor for second opinion, after checking him that doctor said he had stigmatism and also that his eye will not be straigthen out with glasses by itself so therefore will be needing a surgery by January or Febuary of 2009.  Please advise that what are the circumtances under which the doctor may think the surgery is inevitable at this point however we don't feel comfortable having surgery to our son as of now since he is only 2 years and we want to see if something could be done with the glasses and patching by itself.  

I am very considered about this matter because although my son has amblyopia but his eye is not constantly going inward.  His eye does go inward most of the time but not all the time.  We started glasses on his about a month ago but still he is wearing it on and off, and not wearing all the time since he takes if off pretty often and so is the patch.  Please suggest if surgery is important at this point?  or is it better to wait certain time before we go for surgery?  One of my friend's son had ambloypia but it reversed after she used glasses for three years to his son and he was more than 4 years old.  Is waiting a good option?  

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Zeeson,

I would recommend that you return to an eyeMD with whom you feel comfortable.   Since you have contradictory opinions, do not hesitate to see a third doctor.  You definitely need to try to reverse the amblyopia and patching and glasses are often useful in this regard.  Please see your eyeMD and make sure that you are following the instructions and ask the doctor your questions.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California