Strabismus and Amblyopia Treatment (Lazy Eye) in Michigan

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Amblyopia, often called “lazy eye,” occurs when vision is reduced in one or both eyes — usually more in one eye than the other. Normal vision is the ability to clearly see small details at a distance, commonly measured by the well-known 20/20 eye test. When the eyes are unable to reach clear vision, even with glasses, amblyopia may be present.

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Amblyopia can develop for many reasons, including eye misalignment (strabismus), differences in prescription between the eyes, or blurred vision early in life. Because there are several possible causes, it is important to have a comprehensive vision evaluation to determine the underlying issue and the best treatment plan.

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Eye drifting (strabismus) and reduced vision can affect many parts of daily life. Strabismus occurs when one or both eyes drift inward, outward, upward, or downward. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty reading, poor eye coordination, fatigue, double vision, balance challenges, and reduced confidence.

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Eye drift can happen for many reasons, including vision prescription differences between the eyes, high farsightedness or astigmatism, or neurological conditions. Because each case is unique, it’s important to be evaluated by a doctor who specializes in binocular vision and advanced treatment options.

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At Great Lakes Vision Rehabilitation (GLVR) in Shelby Township, Michigan, our doctors specialize in non-surgical vision therapy for strabismus and amblyopia. Our personalized treatment programs focus on improving how the eyes and brain work together using a modern binocular vision therapy approach. Therapy may be provided on its own or in coordination with eye muscle surgery when appropriate. While surgery can help straighten the eyes, it does not always improve eye teaming or depth perception.

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Vision therapy helps strengthen eye coordination, visual clarity, focusing skills, depth perception, and overall visual function — leading to long-term improvement for both children and adults.

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​​Surgery and Vision Therapy? Please Read the Links Below: 

1.https://visionhelp.wordpress.com/2019/05/03/developmental-optometry-pediatric-ophthalmology-collaboration-revisited/  

2.https://visionhelp.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/the-sandwich-approach-to-vision-therapy-and-strabismus/ 

3.https://visionhelp.wordpress.com/2023/01/18/can-pre-surgical-vision-therapy-enhance-the-outcome-of-strabismus-surgery/  

4.To Cut or Not to Cut? Weighing Strabismus Surgery Referral 

5.Note that a Cochrane reviewed database search was referenced. The data is unknown for the optimal age for when strabismus surgery should be performed. 

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References: 

1. Tsirlin I, Colpa L, Goltz HC, Wong AMF. Behavioral Training as New Treatment for Adult Amblyopia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. IOVS 2015;56:4061-75 

2. Li J, Thompson B, Deng D, et al. Dichoptic training enables the adult amblyopic brain to learn. Current Biology 2013;23(8):PR308-09 

3. Hess RF, Mansouri B, Thompson B. A new binocular approach to the treatment of amblyopia in adults well beyond the critical period of visual development. Restor. Neurol. Neurosci. 2011;28(6):793-802

4. Ibrahimi D, Mendiola-Santibanez JD, Cruz-Martinez E, et al. Changes in the Brain Activity and Visual Performance with Strabismus and Amblyopia after a Complete Cycle of Light Therapy. Brain Sci 2021;11(5):657  

5. Hsieh YC, Liao WL, Tsai YY, et. Al. Efficacy of vision therapy for unilateral refractive amblyopia in children aged 7-10 years. BMC Ophthalmol. 2022;22;44. 

6. https://www.covd.org/page/amblyopia (For more information and references!)