What are the treatment options for amblyopia and strabismus?
The appropriate course of treatment will be determined by an eye doctor depending on a variety of factors. Treatment may include patching, glasses, surgery, and/or orthoptics (medically designed and supervised eye exercises). • Patching the stronger good eye will force the weaker eye to work. Depending on the age of the child and the degree of amblyopia, the patch may be used for a few weeks to several months. The most critical factor is wearing the patch faithfully as directed by the doctor. • Surgery is sometimes necessary if severe strabismus is present. Usually an outpatient procedure, surgery will properly align the eye muscle attachments. • Glasses may be necessary for the child with a significant refractive error, although glasses alone will not correct amblyopia. • Orthoptics are a controversial practice of using eye exercises to teach new vision habits. Again, as with glasses, eye exercises alone will not correct amblyopia. Beware of people who suggest they can cure your child
