Diagnosis of Lazy Eye
The best way for lazy eye to be accurately and swiftly detected and diagnosed is to go to routine eye exams. Most physicians, as well as school nurses, will do a basic eye exam for children, but parents who believe their children are at risk of developing amblyopia should also arrange annual appointments with an optometrist.
Optometrists will perform a more detailed exam that can detect eye problems before they begin. Such exams typically investigate family history of eye conditions; searching for abnormalities within the eye, such as how the pupil reacts to light and eye position; examining the eye for focusing and tracking of objects; and so on. The optometrist will also use refraction tests, reading charts, and other devices to test eyesight.
However, eye charts are often only effective for children who know how to read. Some refraction tests can be adapted to babies and younger children. Otherwise, doctors may use eye drops in lieu of a verbal answer.
