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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of lazy eye include:
- An eye that wanders inward or outward
- Eyes that may not appear to work together
- Poor depth perception
Although lazy eye usually affects just one eye, it's possible for both eyes to be affected.
When to see a doctor
Vision checks are often a routine part of well-child checkups — especially if there's a family history of crossed eyes, childhood cataracts or other eye conditions. For all children, a complete eye exam is usually recommended between ages 3 and 5. If you notice your child's eye wandering at any time beyond the first few weeks of life, consult your child's doctor for an evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, he or she may refer your child to a doctor who specializes in eye conditions (ophthalmologist or optometrist).
- Facts about amblyopia. The National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/amblyopia/amblyopia_guide.asp. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Coats DK. Overview of amblyopia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Noshi NR, et al. Amblyopia. American Family Physician. 2007;75:361.
- Screening for visual impairment in children younger than age 5 years. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/3rduspstf/visionscr/vischrs.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Koby M. Amblyopia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1058443637&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00010-X--sc0130&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00010-X--sc0130&uniqId=219913719-4. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 29, 2010.
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