Lazy eye or crossed eyes (amblyopia or strabismus)

Overview

The brain ignores the weaker eye.

Babies' eyes may wander until about 4 months.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Eye that wanders or crosses
• Eyes that cross, wander, or don't line up

Less common

• Squinting
• Head tilt

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision

When to get medical care

Causes

Eye misalignment, unequal vision.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history
• Premature birth

Diagnosis

Eye exams find it.

The exam

Vision and alignment tests.

Treatment

Follow the plan.

Self-care

• Wear glasses
• Patch as directed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Surgery can straighten eyes.

Prevention

• Vision screening

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable when found early.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lazy eye or crossed eyes (amblyopia or strabismus)