Treatment For Lazy Eye / Amblyopia In Kitchener & Waterloo region, Ontario

These treatments may be used together with Vision Therapy, but on their own aren't very effective. This is because patching and atropine do not address the underlying neuro-visual problems which result in the amblyopia in the first place.

Patching is commonly recommended to treat amblyopia, but it’s really an outdated and ineffective treatment. Atropine drops are sometimes recommended in place of patching. The idea behind both patching and atropine is that these treatments “penalize” the good eye, causing the weaker eye to  compensate, adjust and gain focus.

The problem with patching and atropine is that they don't treat the underlying neuro-visual cause of the amblyopia.

Patching or atropine drops only address the symptoms. Vision therapy teaches the brain to use both eyes together effectively. This is referred to as “eye-teaming” and improving the ability to team the eyes is essential for an effective and long-lasting treatment of amblyopia. Therefore, the best and most effective solution for treating amblyopia is vision therapy.

No. This is a common myth perpetuated by many healthcare providers. Amblyopia does not go away on its own. Untreated, it will significantly and negatively affect a child’s ability to learn, thrive, and function academically and socially. The earlier one receives treatment for lazy eye, the better.

As you get older, eye patching and atropine therapy tend to be even less effective than it is for children. However, Vision Therapy remains effective at any age. While the techniques may take a little longer, Vision Therapy is still a proven treatment method. If you would like to discuss whether Vision Therapy is right for you, contact our caring staff at the KW NeuroVision in Kitchener & Waterloo region, Ontario. Dr. Kimberly Dolman will evaluate your condition and determine the best course of action for you. 

Yes. The common wisdom is that lazy eye can only be treated in early childhood. While this is preferable, Vision Therapy can and is effectively used to treat lazy eye in adults as well. The brain is still plastic throughout adulthood and can adapt and change even once it’s fully developed. This means that the Vision Therapy activities and exercises are effective for adults as long as the patient diligently follows the program. 

Ophthalmologists will not typically perform LASIK on the good eye in an individual with amblyopia. The recommended approach is to first have the amblyopia treated using Vision Therapy. 

Probably. There is a list of entry requirements for people with amblyopia, so it depends upon where you fall within these categories. The more severe cases of amblyopia will not be accepted. We recommend scheduling a developmental eye exam to assess your eligibility for military service.

There is no direct link between computer use and amblyopia. Computer use, however, is not without its own problems. The blue light from modern LED screens can cause eyestrain, soreness, blurriness, and long-term damage to the retina. Extended computer screen use can also exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye. At the The Vision Therapy Center at Practice Name, we recommend using blue light protective lenses and taking frequent breaks to look at objects at a distance. This applies whether or not you have amblyopia.

The cost of Vision Therapy for amblyopia depends on how long and intensive the required treatment is. This will depend on the severity of the amblyopia, age, and how responsive you are to the treatment. There is no single answer for how many treatments will be required. Vision Therapy is customized to each patient’s individuals needs and everyone responds at their own pace.

The most important thing to keep in mind is the cost of NOT getting effective treatment. It can result in a lifetime of difficulty interpreting visual symbols, problems with reading, as well as academic and professional struggles.

Every medical plan is different. However, for the time being, most Vision Therapy programs are not covered by the majority of medical or vision insurance plans, including OHIP. However, you also need to consider the cost to you or your child’s life success if amblyopia is not effectively treated.

There are things that you can do at home, such as eye patching or performing certain eye exercises. However, long-term effective treatment will also require in-office Vision Therapy with an experienced professional. Only a developmental optometrist or vision therapist can assess the progress of your treatment and customize the treatment plan that’s right for you. Home exercises without the ongoing supervision of a vision therapist will have limited success, and is not recommended.