Why is My Child’s Eye Drifting?

If you have noticed that your child’s eye is drifting, you may be wondering what is causing it. This may be due to lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eye (strabismus). In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of lazy eye and strabismus in children, the difference between strabismus and lazy eye, how to tell if your child needs patching or surgery and the different types of amblyopia. We will also discuss when it is time to see an eye care professional. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of why your child’s eye is drifting and what you can do to help.

What is Lazy Eye (amblyopia)?

Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a common childhood eye disorder that can lead to vision impairment. It occurs when one or both eyes do not develop normal vision due to lack of or imbalance of visual stimulus from the eye to the brain. This results in blurry vision that cannot be corrected by lenses.

Causes of Lazy Eye (amblyopia)

Lazy eye happens due to lack of visual stimulation in either or both eyes. This results in the brain suppressing or ignoring the visual stimulus on the weaker eye (it also happens on both eyes). The vision does not improve even after using lenses to correct the prescription.

Anything that reduces the visual stimulation to the child’s eye can cause lazy eye. Common causes include:

• Difference in prescription between both eyes
• Obstruction of light in the eye
• Strabismus (crossed eye)

Types of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

There are three common types of amblyopia: strabismic, deprivation, and refractive. Let’s explore each type and discuss treatment options.

Strabismic Amblyopia

Strabismic amblyopia is caused when one or both eyes turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, causing the brain to ignore signals from the misaligned eye(s). Treatment for this type includes corrective lenses/prisms and/or patching therapy, which can improve vision in the affected eye(s). Medications may also be prescribed depending on the type and severity of the amblyopic condition.

Deprivation Amblyopia

Deprivation amblyopia occurs when an eye does not receive enough stimulus during critical stages of development due to clouding caused by cataracts, droopy eyelids (ptosis), unequal refractive power between two eyes (anisometropia), etc. Similar to strabismic amblyopia, treatment may include glasses/contacts with corrective lenses as well as patching therapy. Medications may also be suggested in certain cases.

Refractive Amblyopia

Refractive amblyopia develops when there is a significant difference in refractive error between two eyes, causing blurred images leading to poor visual acuity development. Corrective lenses such as glasses/contact lenses can help to correct blurred vision, along with regular patching therapy sessions as recommended by your eye care professional.

Signs and Symptoms of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) in Children

Signs of lazy eye in children include:

• Unilateral or alternating eye drifting
• Squinting,
• Closing or covering one eye
• Extreme head tilting
• Delay in normal vision development
• Reduced depth perception
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Unusual eye movement

Symptoms of lazy eye in children include:

• Difficulty tracking objects with one eye
• Eyestrain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dizziness after performing close work
• Inability to adjust quickly from distant objects to near ones

Children with lazy eye may exhibit one or more signs and symptoms listed above. If any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above are noticed, it is important to consult an eye care professional right away as treatment should begin as soon as possible for best results.

Treatment of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) in Children

Lazy eye affects the development of vision in one or both eyes and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. If lazy eyes are detected early enough, they can be treated easily by patching the unaffected healthy side for several hours each day over several weeks. This helps train the weaker side and encourages it to become stronger with practice. Parents MUST NOT administer patching without supervision or prescription as this may cause worsen the child’s eyesight.

It is possible to prevent lazy eye from developing in young children with regular comprehensive examinations carried out by a trained eye care professional. This includes evaluating their overall health, monitoring their growth and development milestones, and ensuring appropriate lighting exposure. Always consult with an eye care professional for further advice if you have any concerns about your child’s sight development before taking any action yourself.

Strabismus (Crossed Eye)

Strabismus is misalignment of both eyes commonly caused by an imbalance of the muscles controlling eye movement. This result in crossed eyes and symptoms such as double vision, headaches, eyestrain, and difficulty focusing on objects near and far. Without early treatment, permanent visual impairment can result due to a lack of binocular vision development during childhood stages. The two main commonly seen strabismus are known as esotropia and exotropia. Esotropia is the inward turning of eyes and exotropia is the outward turning of eyes.

What is the Difference Between Strabismus and Lazy Eye?

Strabismus (Crossed eye) is commonly mistaken for lazy eye (amblyopia), however they are vastly different in terms of their causes and treatment. The signs and symptoms may overlap, which is likely the reason for the confusion.

Here are the differences between strabismus and lazy eye (amblyopia):

When do I need to seek treatment?

Parents have a critical role to play in detecting early signs of amblyopia or strabismus and seeking prompt medical advice to prevent the progression of serious complications, such as permanent blurred vision and difficulties recognizing distant objects or faces in low light conditions. Look for frequent squinting, difficulty reading small print, tilting of the head, or closing one eye when focusing on something at a distance.

If you suspect your child is experiencing amblyopia, don’t hesitate to seek expert medical advice immediately. Timely diagnosis and early intervention, such as prescription glasses, patching therapy, or targeted exercises, can significantly improve their long-term vision quality.

In Short

In conclusion, parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that children’s eyesight is well taken care of. Lazy eye and strabismus may seem like minor vision problems, but they can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s vision. Regular eye examinations by a qualified optometrist, can help detect and treat any vision problems early on. By taking this proactive approach, we can give our children the gift of clear vision and allow them to reach their full potential.