How to Naturally Treat Lazy Eye in Adults

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a common condition characterized by reduced vision in one eye, often due to an alignment issue or significant difference in prescription between the two eyes. This article explores the nature of lazy eye, its causes, and natural treatment methods for adults.

Understanding Lazy Eye

The term 'lazy eye' is a lay term that accurately describes a condition where one eye is not being used. Lazy eye can be caused by various factors, including strabismus (a turned eye) or severe hyperopia (farsightedness) that a child is born with. During childhood, if the condition is not treated, the brain can suppress the vision in one eye to avoid double vision, leading to the development of amblyopia.

Causes of Lazy Eye in Adults

Lazy eye can develop in adulthood due to long-standing issues that start in childhood. Genetics often play a role, with the condition tending to run in families. However, amblyopia can also be caused by significant prescription differences between the two eyes, which can be harder to detect without a thorough eye examination.

Identifying a Lazy Eye

To determine if you or a loved one has a lazy or 'turned' eye, the easiest method is to compare the relationship between the pupil and a reflected light in both eyes. When an eye is turned, the reflected light and the pupil will not appear to be in the same position in the two eyes. This can be particularly noticeable in photos where one eye looks 'messed up' while the other appears normal.

Natural Treatment Methods

Natural treatment methods for lazy eye focus on retraining the brain to use the affected eye. Patching the 'good' eye is a common approach to encourage the lazy eye to work harder and improve vision. Additionally, wearing glasses to correct hyperopia can help in correcting the alignment of the eyes and potentially recovering stereopsis (3D vision).

Adult vs. Pediatric Treatment

It's important to note that while treatment in children can often result in a complete cure, treatment for adults is more challenging. The brain's suppression of the lazy eye becomes fixed by around age 7-8, making it harder to reverse the condition. However, recent advances in treatment have shown promising results, and adults can still benefit from exploring new techniques to improve their vision.

Cosmetic Surgery

Surgical intervention to straighten the eyes, known as strabismus surgery, is typically considered a cosmetic procedure in adults. It can improve the appearance of the eyes and potentially enhance depth perception, but it does not improve vision that has been lost due to amblyopia.

Conclusion

Treating lazy eye in adults requires a combination of natural methods and sometimes surgical intervention. Early identification and treatment in childhood can prevent the condition from becoming fixed, but adults can still explore new techniques to improve or restore vision. Regular eye exams and consultation with an ophthalmologist are crucial for managing this condition.