Both eyes lazy??

[SS2]

My  8 yr old daughter has been complaining of  blurred distant vision since 3-4 months.On examination she was found to be 6/18 RE and 6/12 LE which were only slightly correctable by lenses.She has major cylindrical defect  in both eyes. Fundal examination showed no abnormality.LE has more defect than REye. My doctor says its Lazy eyes,(amblyopia due to refractive error).
I want to know whether Is it correctable at this age by specs and eye patch?
Will her eye sight return to normal after the therapy or she will have to wear specs all her life?
How long is it going to take?
Is it congenital ? What precautions should I take? Any Eye  exercises?
Any dietary changes/supplements?

[SS2]

Thank you very much.

[SS2]

Thank you very much.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to clarify this with the peds Eye MD but since the left eye has a much stronger astigmatic error than the RE (aneisometrophia) and the LE does not see normal (6/6) but instead 6/9   By definition mild-moderate amblyopia is present. At age 8 improvement with patching or atropine drops is "iffy"

Remember this runs in families: have other children checked early (no later than age 3) as well as nieces, nephews and much later grandchildren Chances others related by blood getting it are about 20%

JCH MD

[SS2]

Thanks Doctor, I consulted  my paedriatric opthalmologist and she has given prescription of RE +0.50 DS/-0.50 DC X 180* and LE + 0.50 DS/-2.25 DC x170*. (6/9)(6/9).She said  eye patching was not necessary. Is it okay? does she has lazy eyes or only cylindrical errors?

[SS2]

Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to be under the care of a pediatric ophthalmologist who can give you exact answers. These are generalizations: diet has no role in this problem, glasses or contacts or when older refractive surgery are likely to be necessary. Her glasses need to be worn all the time. Her vision may improve some but it is not possible to tell how much. It's not likely to be perfectly normal in both eyes. Eye exercises are not helpful. If you have other children have them checked as well as nieces and nephews, these problems often run in families.

JCH MD