A lazy eye, or amblyopia, is when vision in one eye doesn't develop properly
Rarely, both eyes can be affected
It doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, and is often found during a routine eye test
Many children don't notice anything wrong with their vision themselves
Treatment works best if started before around age 7
About Lazy Eye
A lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is when vision in one eye doesn't develop properly — rarely, both eyes can be affected. It doesn't always cause obvious symptoms, and is often first picked up during a routine eye test.
Main Symptoms
Signs can include shutting one eye or squinting when looking at things, eyes pointing in different directions (a squint), difficulty following an object or person with the eyes, tilting the head to look at something, tired eyes or frequent eye rubbing, headaches, difficulty catching or throwing, tripping or falling often, or blinking a lot. Many children don't notice anything wrong with their own vision — with a younger child, you can gently check by covering each eye in turn with your hand, since they may complain when their stronger eye is covered. Older children may say they can't see as well out of one eye, or have difficulty with reading, writing or drawing.
Visit an opticians if you're worried about your own or your child's vision, or if it's been more than 2 years since your last eye test.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Lazy Eye · Eye Tests
What Happens During an Eye Test
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
The Eye Test
An optometrist will usually carry out an eye test to check for a lazy eye, asking you (or your child) to look at lights or read letters while different lenses are placed in front of the eyes. Eye drops may be used to allow the optometrist to see the back of the eye more clearly. If glasses are needed, you'll be given a prescription, which can be taken to any opticians.
Cost of Eye Tests and Glasses
NHS eye tests are free for some people, including children under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), people with diabetes or glaucoma, and people receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit. Some people are also entitled to a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, including children under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education) and those on certain benefits — without a voucher, you'll need to pay for glasses or contact lenses yourself.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Lazy Eye · Treatment
Treatment Options
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Improving Vision in the Weaker Eye
Treatment for a lazy eye depends on the underlying cause, and aims to improve vision in the weaker eye. Options can include wearing glasses to correct vision, wearing an eye patch over the stronger eye for a few hours a day over several months (usually alongside glasses), or using eye drops to temporarily blur vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder. Treatment works best if started before around age 7, while vision is still developing.
When Surgery is Needed
If a lazy eye is caused by cataracts or a drooping eyelid, surgery may be needed to address the underlying cause. Surgery may also be recommended for a squint, to help straighten the eyes so they work together better — though this improves eye alignment rather than the vision itself.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
