"Lazy Eye" is a general term that many people believe applies to an eye that drifts in or out. However, to Ophthalmologists, medical eye doctors, we use different terms that are more specific. When an eye drifts in (a crossed eye) it is called esotropia. When an eye drifts out (wall eye) it is called exotropia. In either case, a child with this problem should be evaluated since an eye that drifts could have poor vision. Poor vision in this case is called amblyopia. The treatment might be glasses and patching. The sooner the problem is treated, the better the final vision. A child is never "too young" to be evaluated.
Surgery for a lazy eye is sometimes needed, but it should never be done until good vision is restored by patching if needed.
Surgery for a lazy eye is sometimes needed, but it should never be done until good vision is restored by patching if needed.
