lazy eye

Posted by kris on August 11, 1999 at 18:57:00
When I was about two years old, I was diagnosed with a lazy eye.  For the next ten years I wore thick glasses.  I have read the many cases of different experiences with lazy eye and mine seems very unusual.  From the ages of 12 to 22 my eyes were fine.  I did not have any type of surgery.  But in the past two years my eye seems to be crossing again.  Usually when I am extremely tired or stressed.  Usually when I go to bed my eye corrects itself again.  If seems to occur more often now and I am very afraid of it happening all of the time.  I did see a doctor about a year and half ago and he said he could not find a problem.  (My eye wasn't crossing at the time).  I don't know what I should do about this problem.   When my eye starts to cross it is very dangerous for me because I drive a lot.  I would like to get (hopefully) contact lenses or glasses to at least get me through these times.

Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 11, 1999 at 21:31:49
Not every lazy eye crosses at birth.  Lazy eyes will tend to want to cross when the person gets tired and this sounds like what you are describing.  It may stay the same or may continue to get worse with time.  I would recommend you see a pediatric or neuro-ophthalmologist for evaluation.  They will likely pick up on the muscle imbalance.  Good luck.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS MD-JL

Posted by kris on August 11, 1999 at 21:42:30
Regarding the diagnosis that was made, What could be done to correct this?  Is this something that glasses or contact lenses could help?  Am I too old for vision therapy, (I am 24).  

Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 11, 1999 at 21:44:13
This would likely require eye muscle surgery to realign the eyes.
HFHS MD-JL