[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1254},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Flazy-eye":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":1253},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":25,"anchors":37,"mainSectionCollection":75},"NZ - Eye Health - Eye Conditions - Lazy Eye ","Lazy eye (amblyopia) ",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Lazy eye (amblyopia) develops in childhood and can affect vision long-term. Learn the signs, causes, and how early treatment can make a difference.",true,null,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"button":17,"title":13,"subtitle":22,"theme":23,"heroHeightVersion":24},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"7nlssZY2XH8s0l1kcTIHUd","Lazy eye (Amblyopia) is found in about 3% of preschool children in New Zealand. Learn about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment. ","Ellipse","Condensed",{"__typename":26,"sys":27,"title":29,"body":30,"buttonsCollection":31},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":28},"51o4LDgfgwIbWVUJ0kcQ8X","Let's get your vision sorted","Noticed a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help. ",{"items":32},[33],{"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Book an eye test","\u002Fbook\u002Flocation",false,{"anchorLinksCollection":38},{"items":39},[40,45,50,55,60,65,70],{"anchorLabel":41,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":42},"What is Lazy Eye?",{"sys":43},{"id":44},"5tmQ5NgG3QThG4tjlvsGko",{"anchorLabel":46,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":47},"Symptoms ",{"sys":48},{"id":49},"6PWhpjOg3NA8U3eQkQWS2u",{"anchorLabel":51,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":52},"Causes ",{"sys":53},{"id":54},"25J2Bkr1lZu20zltX8gO19",{"anchorLabel":56,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":57},"Who is at Risk?",{"sys":58},{"id":59},"4kNAXtDwqjbNUO5jTtN32M",{"anchorLabel":61,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":62},"Diagnosis ",{"sys":63},{"id":64},"4pWj7wMJHcLFJUfGe6uLFz",{"anchorLabel":66,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":67},"Treatment ",{"sys":68},{"id":69},"KrZUcg12a2Eux3K6JgvTi",{"anchorLabel":71,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":72},"FAQs ",{"sys":73},{"id":74},"5rRpl7711kZ3QYBKRXWw9N",{"items":76},[77,85,129,183,252,288,323,438,587,610,736,760,890,914,938,978,1105,1120,1150,1201,1232],{"__typename":78,"sys":79,"linkEntries":81,"title":83,"body":84,"leftAligned":16},"Summary",{"id":80},"1RUk8IV1Rae7b0WcgWnHUv",{"items":82},[],"Lazy eye overview ","Amblyopia, or 'lazy eye', is a common vision problem that usually starts in early childhood. It occurs when the brain stops processing information from one eye (or sometimes both).\n\nIn this guide, you'll learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and lazy eye treatment. ",{"__typename":86,"sys":87,"title":89,"subtitle":90,"hotspotConfigurator":91,"hotspotImageReference":127},"MediaHotspotCarousel",{"id":88},"3lQgQCjyME2ZxmksMg4qs9","Lazy eye explained","The vision in the lazy eye is worse than in the good eye. Here's how it works. ",{"assetId":92,"hotspots":93},"350sGiM8GbjQkEI0o4ovOO",[94,107,117],{"x":95,"y":96,"id":97,"label":98,"theme":99,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":100,"naturalX":101,"naturalY":102,"percentageX":103,"percentageY":104,"appImageWidth":105,"appImageHeight":106},218.27841186523435,224.94317640429685,"DAIojxGdbA1nsKLy8Ke26","Lazy eye  ","Light","Vision in the lazy eye is worse\u002Fblurry compared to the other eye. The good eye becomes the dominant eye and the brain begins to focus on the image from this eye only. Over a period of time, the brain ignores information coming in from the lazy eye.",254.28565841865753,262.1453171173152,24.832583829947026,43.258303154672475,879,520,{"x":108,"y":109,"id":110,"label":111,"theme":99,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":112,"naturalX":113,"naturalY":114,"percentageX":115,"percentageY":116,"appImageWidth":105,"appImageHeight":106},266.46020507812494,181.30680847167966,"OMbFChCsvj0eU4RNvvQ1J","You cover the good eye ","By covering the dominant eye for a few hours a day, thebrain is forced to use information from the lazy eye to see. ",310.41552901023886,211.29216525738053,30.31401650490614,34.86669393686147,{"x":118,"y":119,"id":120,"label":121,"theme":99,"isValid":16,"bodyCopy":122,"naturalX":123,"naturalY":124,"percentageX":125,"percentageY":126,"appImageWidth":105,"appImageHeight":106},263.5766906738281,281.5057067871094,"XFTLjiyYmywvZKv3fj0TU","The lay eye is corrected ","With spectacles correction and wearing an eyepatch (Occlusion Therapy), the vision in the lazy eye begins to improve. During the treatment period, the lazy eye becomes stronger and the amblyopia improves.   ",307.0563495449374,328.0624198326698,29.985971635247793,54.135712843674874,{"url":128},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fuuaxywrybmpn\u002F350sGiM8GbjQkEI0o4ovOO\u002F7e4782176839acfa37700a5ed7f9b183\u002Fblind-spot-pupil-reflex-2zejrof6swffvdyi15fr40.jpg",{"__typename":130,"sys":131,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":133},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":44},"Cool Blue",{"json":134,"links":180},{"data":135,"content":136,"nodeType":179},{},[137,146],{"data":138,"content":139,"nodeType":145},{},[140],{"data":141,"marks":142,"value":143,"nodeType":144},{},[],"What is lazy eye (amblyopia)? ","text","heading-2",{"data":147,"content":148,"nodeType":178},{},[149,153,162,166,174],{"data":150,"marks":151,"value":152,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Amblyopia, also known as 'lazy eye', is a vision problem where the brain starts to ignore information from one eye (or both), depending on the cause. It typically begins in childhood - about 3% of children in New Zealand have it, according to national figures \n  \nNormally, the brain receives information from both eyes at once and 'processes' the images at the same time. This helps you to see what's happening around you in 3D. However, if you have a lazy eye, your brain starts to focus on the information received from the good eye only.\n  \nLazy eye can cause various visual problems, including",{"data":154,"content":156,"nodeType":161},{"uri":155},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fdouble-vision",[157],{"data":158,"marks":159,"value":160,"nodeType":144},{},[]," double vision","hyperlink",{"data":163,"marks":164,"value":165,"nodeType":144},{},[],",",{"data":167,"content":169,"nodeType":161},{"uri":168},"\u002Fhelp-and-faqs\u002Fwhat-are-the-causes-of-blurred-vision",[170],{"data":171,"marks":172,"value":173,"nodeType":144},{},[]," blurred vision",{"data":175,"marks":176,"value":177,"nodeType":144},{},[],", and problems perceiving depth (how near or far objects are). ","paragraph","document",{"entries":181},{"block":182},[],{"__typename":184,"sys":185,"switchSequenceAtMobile":36,"backgroundTheme":187,"leftColumnCollection":188,"rightColumnCollection":226},"TwoColumnLayout",{"id":186},"6SIAXSSAUA6Qy9UToCZnZZ","White",{"items":189},[190],{"__typename":130,"sys":191,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":194},{"id":192},"6njXc4DhLMuPC0emlnoLnI","Mono White",{"json":195,"links":223},{"data":196,"content":197,"nodeType":179},{},[198,206],{"data":199,"content":200,"nodeType":205},{},[201],{"data":202,"marks":203,"value":204,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye in childhood ","heading-3",{"data":207,"content":208,"nodeType":178},{},[209,213,219],{"data":210,"marks":211,"value":212,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye usually begins in childhood before the age of five. Lazy eye treatments are generally more effective at a younger age, so it's important to get it seen by an optometrist as soon as possible. \n  \n",{"data":214,"content":215,"nodeType":161},{"uri":35},[216],{"data":217,"marks":218,"value":34,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":220,"marks":221,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],"",{"entries":224},{"block":225},[],{"items":227},[228],{"__typename":130,"sys":229,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":231},{"id":230},"5IGVA9SkHk2JuRHJ6bHIzv",{"json":232,"links":249},{"data":233,"content":234,"nodeType":179},{},[235,242],{"data":236,"content":237,"nodeType":205},{},[238],{"data":239,"marks":240,"value":241,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye in adults ",{"data":243,"content":244,"nodeType":178},{},[245],{"data":246,"marks":247,"value":248,"nodeType":144},{},[],"If your lazy eye wasn't treated when you were a child, then it will carry on into adulthood - lazy eye doesn't go away on its own. It sometimes takes years for people to realise there's something wrong with their vision. \n  \nAlthough lazy eye treatment is most effective in younger kids, there are some methods that can help with lazy eye in adults, so it's still definitely worth getting it seen by an optometrist. \n",{"entries":250},{"block":251},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":253,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":255},{"id":254},"3yobRY4wQRRrdV03cmsTCc",{"json":256,"links":285},{"data":257,"content":258,"nodeType":179},{},[259,266],{"data":260,"content":261,"nodeType":205},{},[262],{"data":263,"marks":264,"value":265,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Issues with the term 'lazy eye' ",{"data":267,"content":268,"nodeType":178},{},[269,273,281],{"data":270,"marks":271,"value":272,"nodeType":144},{},[],"At Specsavers, we prefer the medical name 'amblyopia' because it's more precise. Saying someone's eye is 'lazy' implies they have some influence over what's happening - even though it's totally out of anyone's control. However, since many people know the condition as 'lazy eye' we still use this language for ease of communication. \n  \n",{"data":274,"content":276,"nodeType":161},{"uri":275},"\u002Feye-health",[277],{"data":278,"marks":279,"value":280,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Learn more about eye health",{"data":282,"marks":283,"value":284,"nodeType":144},{},[]," ",{"entries":286},{"block":287},[],{"__typename":184,"sys":289,"switchSequenceAtMobile":36,"backgroundTheme":291,"rightColumnCollection":292,"leftColumnCollection":297},{"id":290},"1wKBHeImvTDu5luJOiblHz","Blue",{"items":293},[294],{"__typename":295,"altText":17,"videoId":296},"YoutubeVideo","KHSuyB3REM4",{"items":298},[299],{"__typename":130,"sys":300,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":302},{"id":301},"1zW5d2GvPlgMRotITQfL0F",{"json":303,"links":320},{"nodeType":179,"data":304,"content":305},{},[306,313],{"nodeType":205,"data":307,"content":308},{},[309],{"nodeType":144,"value":310,"marks":311,"data":312},"What the experts say about amblyopia ",[],{},{"nodeType":178,"data":314,"content":315},{},[316],{"nodeType":144,"value":317,"marks":318,"data":319},"At Specsavers stores in New Zealand, our optometrists see people with amblyopia most days. In this short explainer video, one of our experts talks about lazy eye causes, as well as how to fix a lazy eye. ",[],{},{"entries":321},{"block":322},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":324,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":325},{"id":49},{"json":326,"links":435},{"data":327,"content":328,"nodeType":179},{},[329,336,343,351,358,365,377,384,391,398,405,412,419],{"data":330,"content":331,"nodeType":145},{},[332],{"data":333,"marks":334,"value":335,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Symptoms of lazy eye ",{"data":337,"content":338,"nodeType":178},{},[339],{"data":340,"marks":341,"value":342,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Amblyopia symptoms aren't always obvious - especially in younger children who cannot speak or express themselves fully yet. If a child has had a lazy eye all their life, they often don't realise they even have vision problems. \n  \nThis is why it's so important to get your child's eyes tested during early childhood. Optometrists can identify problems that might otherwise be missed. \n  \nHere are some of the more common signs and symptoms of lazy eye. ",{"data":344,"content":345,"nodeType":350},{},[346],{"data":347,"marks":348,"value":349,"nodeType":144},{},[],"A squint","heading-4",{"data":352,"content":353,"nodeType":178},{},[354],{"data":355,"marks":356,"value":357,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Some people with a lazy eye also have a visible squint or strabismus, which is when their eyes don't line up. ",{"data":359,"content":360,"nodeType":350},{},[361],{"data":362,"marks":363,"value":364,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Covering the eye",{"data":366,"content":367,"nodeType":178},{},[368,373],{"data":369,"marks":370,"value":284,"nodeType":144},{},[371],{"type":372},"bold",{"data":374,"marks":375,"value":376,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Children sometimes cover their lazy eye with one hand to help with focusing - this is one of the 'telltale' signs of lazy eye. Some children may also oppose to covering the good eye as this is their preferred and dominant eye.  ",{"data":378,"content":379,"nodeType":350},{},[380],{"data":381,"marks":382,"value":383,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Head tilting ",{"data":385,"content":386,"nodeType":178},{},[387],{"data":388,"marks":389,"value":390,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Kids with amblyopia sometimes tilt their head when looking at things to help with focus. ",{"data":392,"content":393,"nodeType":350},{},[394],{"data":395,"marks":396,"value":397,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Vision-related discomfort",{"data":399,"content":400,"nodeType":178},{},[401],{"data":402,"marks":403,"value":404,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Children with lazy eye may have tired eyes, or blink and rub them a lot. They may also complain of headaches too. ",{"data":406,"content":407,"nodeType":350},{},[408],{"data":409,"marks":410,"value":411,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Coordination issues ",{"data":413,"content":414,"nodeType":178},{},[415],{"data":416,"marks":417,"value":418,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Many children with lazy eye struggle with hand-eye coordination (for example, catching a ball). Because they struggle to judge depth, they may also trip over things or bump into obstacles more often. ",{"data":420,"content":421,"nodeType":178},{},[422,425,432],{"data":423,"marks":424,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":426,"content":427,"nodeType":161},{"uri":35},[428],{"data":429,"marks":430,"value":431,"nodeType":144},{"chevron-link":16},[],"Book an eye test ",{"data":433,"marks":434,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"entries":436},{"block":437},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":439,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":440},{"id":54},{"json":441,"links":582},{"data":442,"content":443,"nodeType":179},{},[444,451,458,465,484,491,520,527,546,553,560,567,576],{"data":445,"content":446,"nodeType":145},{},[447],{"data":448,"marks":449,"value":450,"nodeType":144},{},[],"What causes lazy eye (amblyopia)? ",{"data":452,"content":453,"nodeType":178},{},[454],{"data":455,"marks":456,"value":457,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye (amblyopia) tends to show up in the early years, and can be picked up during an eye test. That’s why we recommend getting childrens eyes checked around age three or four before they start school\n \nA child’s vision and eyes continue developing until they’re about seven or eight years old. This is the optimal window for any amblyopia treatment. There are four main causes of lazy eye. ",{"data":459,"content":460,"nodeType":350},{},[461],{"data":462,"marks":463,"value":464,"nodeType":144},{},[],"1. Sight problems",{"data":466,"content":467,"nodeType":178},{},[468,472,480],{"data":469,"marks":470,"value":471,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye is often caused by refractive errors that affect vision. One eye may be very ",{"data":473,"content":475,"nodeType":161},{"uri":474},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fmyopia",[476],{"data":477,"marks":478,"value":479,"nodeType":144},{},[],"short sighted ",{"data":481,"marks":482,"value":483,"nodeType":144},{},[],"or long sighted. This means that the eyes have to strain to get a clear image. ",{"data":485,"content":486,"nodeType":350},{},[487],{"data":488,"marks":489,"value":490,"nodeType":144},{},[],"2. A squint ",{"data":492,"content":493,"nodeType":178},{},[494,498,505,509,516],{"data":495,"marks":496,"value":497,"nodeType":144},{},[],"A squint or strabismus is when your eyes don't line up (while one eye looks forward, the other eye may look to one side, upwards or downwards). If a squint goes untreated, the child may develop a lazy eye. People with squints often notice they have ",{"data":499,"content":500,"nodeType":161},{"uri":155},[501],{"data":502,"marks":503,"value":504,"nodeType":144},{},[],"double vision ",{"data":506,"marks":507,"value":508,"nodeType":144},{},[],"or ",{"data":510,"content":511,"nodeType":161},{"uri":168},[512],{"data":513,"marks":514,"value":515,"nodeType":144},{},[],"blurred vision",{"data":517,"marks":518,"value":519,"nodeType":144},{},[],". ",{"data":521,"content":522,"nodeType":350},{},[523],{"data":524,"marks":525,"value":526,"nodeType":144},{},[],"3. Vision deprivation",{"data":528,"content":529,"nodeType":178},{},[530,534,542],{"data":531,"marks":532,"value":533,"nodeType":144},{},[]," Any condition that obstructs or blocks vision in one eye. Although fairly rare in children, conditions like congenital ",{"data":535,"content":537,"nodeType":161},{"uri":536},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fcataract",[538],{"data":539,"marks":540,"value":541,"nodeType":144},{},[],"cataracts ",{"data":543,"marks":544,"value":545,"nodeType":144},{},[],"can lead to lazy eye. ",{"data":547,"content":548,"nodeType":350},{},[549],{"data":550,"marks":551,"value":552,"nodeType":144},{},[],"4. Ptosis (dropping eyelid) ",{"data":554,"content":555,"nodeType":178},{},[556],{"data":557,"marks":558,"value":559,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Ptosis is when the upper eyelid hangs over the eye blocking light entering that eye. This can partially or completely block the child's vision in that eye leading to amblyopia. ",{"data":561,"content":562,"nodeType":178},{},[563],{"data":564,"marks":565,"value":566,"nodeType":144},{},[]," ",{"data":568,"content":574,"nodeType":575},{"target":569},{"sys":570},{"id":571,"type":572,"linkType":573},"395b8esPHoSP6jWAob1ApE","Link","Entry",[],"embedded-entry-block",{"data":577,"content":578,"nodeType":178},{},[579],{"data":580,"marks":581,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"entries":583},{"block":584},[585],{"__typename":572,"sys":586,"linkText":34,"linkUrl":35,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},{"id":571},{"__typename":130,"sys":588,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":589},{"id":59},{"json":590,"links":607},{"data":591,"content":592,"nodeType":179},{},[593,600],{"data":594,"content":595,"nodeType":205},{},[596],{"data":597,"marks":598,"value":599,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Who's more likely to have lazy eye? ",{"data":601,"content":602,"nodeType":178},{},[603],{"data":604,"marks":605,"value":606,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Some things can make a child more likely to develop a lazy eye. These include being born early or smaller than expected, having developmental disabilities, or a family history of lazy eye. Poor nutrition and living in less well-off conditions can also increase the chances. ",{"entries":608},{"block":609},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":611,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":612},{"id":64},{"json":613,"links":733},{"data":614,"content":615,"nodeType":179},{},[616,623,641,648,655,662,669,685,692,708,715],{"data":617,"content":618,"nodeType":145},{},[619],{"data":620,"marks":621,"value":622,"nodeType":144},{},[],"How is lazy eye diagnosed? ",{"data":624,"content":625,"nodeType":178},{},[626,630,638],{"data":627,"marks":628,"value":629,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye can be diagnosed with a routine eye test. And, up to the age of 16, all children's eye test are free in our stores. \n  \nWhen your child turns four, makes sure you take them for a B4 School Check (it's the 12th core contact in the Well Child Tamariki Ora Programme), which often take place at Plunket centres or community centres. The nurse will check your child for signs of lazy eye among other things.  \n \n",{"data":631,"content":633,"nodeType":161},{"uri":632},"\u002Feye-tests\u002Fkids-eyecare",[634],{"data":635,"marks":636,"value":637,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Learn more about children's eye tests",{"data":639,"marks":640,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":642,"content":643,"nodeType":178},{},[644],{"data":645,"marks":646,"value":647,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Here are some of the lazy eye tests that can help diagnose the issue. ",{"data":649,"content":650,"nodeType":350},{},[651],{"data":652,"marks":653,"value":654,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Home eye cover test",{"data":656,"content":657,"nodeType":178},{},[658],{"data":659,"marks":660,"value":661,"nodeType":144},{},[],"If you think your child might have a lazy eye, show them something interesting and cover one eye at a time. If they struggle or try to move your hand when the stronger eye is covered, it could be amblyopia. ",{"data":663,"content":664,"nodeType":350},{},[665],{"data":666,"marks":667,"value":668,"nodeType":144},{},[],"A comprehensive eye test",{"data":670,"content":671,"nodeType":178},{},[672,676,682],{"data":673,"marks":674,"value":675,"nodeType":144},{},[],"The best way to diagnose lazy eye is with a comprehensive eye examination. Our optometrists will perform tests to check for and diagnose lazy eye \n  \n",{"data":677,"content":678,"nodeType":161},{"uri":35},[679],{"data":680,"marks":681,"value":34,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":683,"marks":684,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":686,"content":687,"nodeType":350},{},[688],{"data":689,"marks":690,"value":691,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Visual acuity test",{"data":693,"content":694,"nodeType":178},{},[695,699,705],{"data":696,"marks":697,"value":698,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Guided by an optometrist, your child will read letters, pictures or symbols on a chart, covering one eye at a time, to check if there’s a difference in how well each eye sees. \n  \n",{"data":700,"content":701,"nodeType":161},{"uri":35},[702],{"data":703,"marks":704,"value":34,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":706,"marks":707,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":709,"content":710,"nodeType":350},{},[711],{"data":712,"marks":713,"value":714,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Strabismus checks",{"data":716,"content":717,"nodeType":178},{},[718,722,730],{"data":719,"marks":720,"value":721,"nodeType":144},{},[],"There are a few tests the optometrist can use to check for strabismus ('squint'). These tests help to see if the child's eyes are aligned. \n  \nLearn more about ",{"data":723,"content":725,"nodeType":161},{"uri":724},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fsquint-or-strabismus",[726],{"data":727,"marks":728,"value":729,"nodeType":144},{},[],"strabismus (squint)",{"data":731,"marks":732,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"entries":734},{"block":735},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":737,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":739},{"id":738},"3jTu6r5pA382XaE19dkNDc",{"json":740,"links":757},{"data":741,"content":742,"nodeType":179},{},[743,750],{"data":744,"content":745,"nodeType":205},{},[746],{"data":747,"marks":748,"value":749,"nodeType":144},{},[],"The importance of early diagnosis of lazy eye ",{"data":751,"content":752,"nodeType":178},{},[753],{"data":754,"marks":755,"value":756,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye is best treated before the age of eight. That’s when the brain is still learning how to use the eyes properly. After this point, it gets harder to improve vision and, in some cases, full correction might not be possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late. Treatment can still help older children and even adults. We explain more on that further down. ",{"entries":758},{"block":759},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":761,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":762},{"id":69},{"json":763,"links":887},{"data":764,"content":765,"nodeType":179},{},[766,773,780,787,817,824,831,838,845,852,859,866,873,880],{"data":767,"content":768,"nodeType":145},{},[769],{"data":770,"marks":771,"value":772,"nodeType":144},{},[],"How is lazy eye treated? ",{"data":774,"content":775,"nodeType":178},{},[776],{"data":777,"marks":778,"value":779,"nodeType":144},{},[],"There are a few different treatments available for lazy eye. The optometrist, or eye specialist at the hospital, will decide how to fix a lazy eye, depending on what's causing the amblyopia, how severe it is, as well as the needs and demands of the child. For example, some kids really don't get on with eye patches. ",{"data":781,"content":782,"nodeType":350},{},[783],{"data":784,"marks":785,"value":786,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Corrective glasses",{"data":788,"content":789,"nodeType":178},{},[790,794,802,806,813],{"data":791,"marks":792,"value":793,"nodeType":144},{},[],"If the lazy eye is caused by a refractive problem such as",{"data":795,"content":797,"nodeType":161},{"uri":796},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fastigmatism",[798],{"data":799,"marks":800,"value":801,"nodeType":144},{},[]," astigmatism",{"data":803,"marks":804,"value":805,"nodeType":144},{},[]," or ",{"data":807,"content":808,"nodeType":161},{"uri":474},[809],{"data":810,"marks":811,"value":812,"nodeType":144},{},[],"short-sightedness",{"data":814,"marks":815,"value":816,"nodeType":144},{},[],", prescription glasses can really help.  ",{"data":818,"content":819,"nodeType":350},{},[820],{"data":821,"marks":822,"value":823,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Wearing an eye patch",{"data":825,"content":826,"nodeType":178},{},[827],{"data":828,"marks":829,"value":830,"nodeType":144},{},[],"An eye patch is placed over the normal eye (often, it's just for a couple of hours per day but can be more). This forces the lazy eye to work harder. Over a few weeks or months, this helps train the eye to work more effectively. ",{"data":832,"content":833,"nodeType":350},{},[834],{"data":835,"marks":836,"value":837,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Amblyopia eye drops",{"data":839,"content":840,"nodeType":178},{},[841],{"data":842,"marks":843,"value":844,"nodeType":144},{},[],"If the child refuses to wear an eye patch, the optometrist, or eye specialist at the hospital, might recommend using an eye drop called Atropine 1%. This is dropped in the healthy eye, and blurs the vision in that eye for a few days. This then forces the brain to use information from the lazy eye. ",{"data":846,"content":847,"nodeType":350},{},[848],{"data":849,"marks":850,"value":851,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye surgery",{"data":853,"content":854,"nodeType":178},{},[855],{"data":856,"marks":857,"value":858,"nodeType":144},{},[],"In some situations, the optometrist will recommend lazy eye surgery. If it's caused by a cataract, the child will have this removed while under anaesthetic. If the lazy eye is caused by ptosis (droopy eyelid) or problems with the eye muscles, surgeons can also correct these issues. ",{"data":860,"content":861,"nodeType":350},{},[862],{"data":863,"marks":864,"value":865,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Lazy eye exercises",{"data":867,"content":868,"nodeType":178},{},[869],{"data":870,"marks":871,"value":872,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Certain exercises can help to train the lazy eye by making it focus on things. Your optometrist will show you how to do them. These can include pencil push-ups (focusing on an object moving near and far) or object tracking. These might be done while the normal eye is covered. ",{"data":874,"content":875,"nodeType":350},{},[876],{"data":877,"marks":878,"value":879,"nodeType":144},{},[],"New methods",{"data":881,"content":882,"nodeType":178},{},[883],{"data":884,"marks":885,"value":886,"nodeType":144},{},[],"In the past decade or so, a variety of new treatments for lazy eye have been tested using VR-style headsets. You wear a headset, and each eye sees a slightly different thing while you play video games. The headsets can be set up to train the lazy eye to work harder. These lazy eye treatments are promising, but they aren't available everywhere just yet. ",{"entries":888},{"block":889},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":891,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":893},{"id":892},"7358H0AVbfU0LNQQfn8XFr",{"json":894,"links":911},{"data":895,"content":896,"nodeType":179},{},[897,904],{"data":898,"content":899,"nodeType":205},{},[900],{"data":901,"marks":902,"value":903,"nodeType":144},{},[],"What to do if a child rejects their lazy eye patch ",{"data":905,"content":906,"nodeType":178},{},[907],{"data":908,"marks":909,"value":910,"nodeType":144},{},[],"It’s common for young children to refuse an eye patch or to keep pulling it off. If they’re still learning to speak, they might not understand why one eye needs to be covered, which can make things more difficult. \n  \nYour optometrist can suggest ways to help. Some parents find it useful to show what’s happening using toys, like putting a patch on a teddy. Decorating the patch with colouring pens can also make it feel more fun. When your child looks in the mirror, they’ll see something they made. If they keep trying to take the patch off, using gloves or mitts can make it harder for them to do so. ",{"entries":912},{"block":913},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":915,"theme":193,"genericTextComponent":917},{"id":916},"5pJnXXFCOS5q5CXCyQnS9H",{"json":918,"links":935},{"data":919,"content":920,"nodeType":179},{},[921,928],{"data":922,"content":923,"nodeType":205},{},[924],{"data":925,"marks":926,"value":927,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Treating lazy eye in adults ",{"data":929,"content":930,"nodeType":178},{},[931],{"data":932,"marks":933,"value":934,"nodeType":144},{},[],"For many years, people thought lazy eye was only something that could be treated in children. However, recent research has shown that lazy eye treatment for adults can still be effective. \n  \nFor example, one study asked adults with lazy eye to wear an eye patch for 2 hours a day for 24 weeks, and their vision improved significantly by the end. ",{"entries":936},{"block":937},[],{"__typename":130,"sys":939,"theme":132,"genericTextComponent":941},{"id":940},"4JElzL6IT0DJ3SpDxuzHnK",{"json":942,"links":975},{"data":943,"content":944,"nodeType":179},{},[945,952,959],{"data":946,"content":947,"nodeType":145},{},[948],{"data":949,"marks":950,"value":951,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Can lazy eye get better? ",{"data":953,"content":954,"nodeType":178},{},[955],{"data":956,"marks":957,"value":958,"nodeType":144},{},[],"If lazy eye is picked up early (ideally by the age of seven) treatment often works well. The weaker eye might not have perfect vision, but most children will still be able to do everything their friends can without much trouble. \n  \nIf it’s not treated, the sight in that eye is unlikely to improve on its own. It can lead to lasting vision problems, which might affect things later in life, like driving or certain jobs that need strong eyesight. \n  \nThat’s why it’s so important to get kids’ eyes checked early and regularly. It gives them the best chance of healthy vision for life. ",{"data":960,"content":961,"nodeType":178},{},[962,966,972],{"data":963,"marks":964,"value":965,"nodeType":144},{},[],"\n",{"data":967,"content":968,"nodeType":161},{"uri":35},[969],{"data":970,"marks":971,"value":431,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"data":973,"marks":974,"value":222,"nodeType":144},{},[],{"entries":976},{"block":977},[],{"__typename":979,"sys":980,"title":981,"theme":187,"expandFirstRow":36,"accordionEntriesCollection":982},"Accordion",{"id":74},"Your lazy eye questions, answered",{"items":983},[984,1000,1015,1030,1045,1060,1075,1090],{"__typename":985,"sys":986,"panel":988,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":999},"Faq",{"id":987},"58e7V1nR4SLbEbUUjpbTsm",{"json":989},{"data":990,"content":991,"nodeType":179},{},[992],{"data":993,"content":994,"nodeType":178},{},[995],{"data":996,"marks":997,"value":998,"nodeType":144},{},[],"The main causes of lazy eye include refractive errors (such as short or long-sightedness), having a squint (strabismus), ptosis (droopy eyelid) and vision deprivation (due to cataract, for example). ","What causes lazy eye?",{"__typename":985,"sys":1001,"panel":1003,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1014},{"id":1002},"6kZlWjZ6aih7V4Yeo8LOD3",{"json":1004},{"data":1005,"content":1006,"nodeType":179},{},[1007],{"data":1008,"content":1009,"nodeType":178},{},[1010],{"data":1011,"marks":1012,"value":1013,"nodeType":144},{},[],"A lazy eye needs to be treated and should be seen by an optometrist who'll develop a plan for how to correct the lazy eye. Lazy eye has a few different causes, so the optometrist will decide on the appropriate treatment for the child following a comprehensive assessment. ","How to get rid of a lazy eye? ",{"__typename":985,"sys":1016,"panel":1018,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1029},{"id":1017},"7H9NDx7N6f3Cm5Qp706FQ0",{"json":1019},{"data":1020,"content":1021,"nodeType":179},{},[1022],{"data":1023,"content":1024,"nodeType":178},{},[1025],{"data":1026,"marks":1027,"value":1028,"nodeType":144},{},[],"All children in New Zealand are eligible for the free B4 School Check, which includes eye tests for amblyopia. It's best to get this as close to their 4th birthday as possible. You should be contacted by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora about the check. But if you haven't heard from them, contact your GP or healthcare provider. If you would like to get your child's eyes tested before their 4th birthday - or later on - comprehensive eye tests are free at all Specsavers stores for children under 16.","How can I get my child's eyes tested for lazy eye?",{"__typename":985,"sys":1031,"panel":1033,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1044},{"id":1032},"7wCY3YCEbNucluJyWHOGJN",{"json":1034},{"data":1035,"content":1036,"nodeType":179},{},[1037],{"data":1038,"content":1039,"nodeType":178},{},[1040],{"data":1041,"marks":1042,"value":1043,"nodeType":144},{},[],"No, not usually. We wouldn't advise trying to treat a lazy eye on your own, especially if you aren't medically trained. Only an optometrist or eye specialist   can diagnose what is causing the lazy eye and select the best treatment for it.  ","Can you fix a lazy eye on your own? ",{"__typename":985,"sys":1046,"panel":1048,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1059},{"id":1047},"3JeJ8sVvSwoTILfL0u9Euf",{"json":1049},{"data":1050,"content":1051,"nodeType":179},{},[1052],{"data":1053,"content":1054,"nodeType":178},{},[1055],{"data":1056,"marks":1057,"value":1058,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Yes, lazy eye often gets worse if it goes untreated. Children's sight continue to develop in the first few years of childhood, but stops by around the age of 8. So, the longer an eye cannot see, the worse or deeper the amblyopia and the more blurred the vision. Once the connections to the brain have become much stronger (around the age of 8), it is unlikely that the lazy eye will get much worse. However, the downside is that any treatment after this age will not be as effective either.  ","Will your child's lazy eye get worse if left untreated? ",{"__typename":985,"sys":1061,"panel":1063,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1074},{"id":1062},"7bw8cpKAxfIdKDuyphyFnH",{"json":1064},{"data":1065,"content":1066,"nodeType":179},{},[1067],{"data":1068,"content":1069,"nodeType":178},{},[1070],{"data":1071,"marks":1072,"value":1073,"nodeType":144},{},[],"The only way to definitely know if your child has a lazy eye is by taking them for an eye test at the optometrist's. It isn't usually possible to tell just by looking if a child has a lazy eye, and they might not be able to tell you if they're having vision problems. There are some 'telltale' signs that a child might have amblyopia - they might struggle with hand-eye coordination, they may bump or trip often, or they may turn their head to help see things more clearly.  ","How do you know if your child has a lazy eye? ",{"__typename":985,"sys":1076,"panel":1078,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1089},{"id":1077},"4ng2hZa2FZTMLiTzsrvQps",{"json":1079},{"data":1080,"content":1081,"nodeType":179},{},[1082],{"data":1083,"content":1084,"nodeType":178},{},[1085],{"data":1086,"marks":1087,"value":1088,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Maybe. For some jobs, it's essential to have good vision and depth perception, and so having poor or no vision in one eye could stop you from doing certain jobs.  ","Can lazy eye affect your job prospects? ",{"__typename":985,"sys":1091,"panel":1093,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1104},{"id":1092},"oP65LRehe4JmQr4g44nvR",{"json":1094},{"data":1095,"content":1096,"nodeType":179},{},[1097],{"data":1098,"content":1099,"nodeType":178},{},[1100],{"data":1101,"marks":1102,"value":1103,"nodeType":144},{},[],"No, it is not that rare to have lazy eye. Figures from the New Zealand Association of Optometrists show that about 3% of New Zealanders have amblyopia. Other research shows that children from communities with socioeconomic disadvantage are more likely to have lazy eye. One study with a group of predominantly New Zealand Māori and Pacific children, found that about 6% of the children had it.","Is it rare to have lazy eye?",{"__typename":1106,"sys":1107,"title":1109,"body":1110,"theme":1111,"buttonCollection":1112},"FullWidthBannerSimple",{"id":1108},"1WGy75Pd8zIB5q5ZpdA2sW","Did you know?","AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in-store.","Block Colour",{"items":1113},[1114,1117],{"linkText":1115,"linkUrl":1116,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"Book an appointment","\u002Fstores",{"linkText":1118,"linkUrl":1119,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36},"See more eye conditions","\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-conditions",{"__typename":1121,"sys":1122,"title":1124,"backgroundTheme":187,"authorEntriesCollection":1125},"AuthorContainer",{"id":1123},"2R7ahVzi7hknFPZlstGy74","Written with care and checked for accuracy ",{"items":1126},[1127],{"authorBiography":1128,"authorName":1146,"authorQualification":1147,"authorPhoto":1148},{"json":1129},{"data":1130,"content":1131,"nodeType":179},{},[1132,1139],{"data":1133,"content":1134,"nodeType":178},{},[1135],{"data":1136,"marks":1137,"value":1138,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Bhavishna is a highly accomplished optometrist with a Bachelor of Optometry from The University of Auckland. With extensive global experience in private clinics, ophthalmology centres, hospital clinics and corporate optometry across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, she brings a wealth of expertise to her field. ",{"data":1140,"content":1141,"nodeType":178},{},[1142],{"data":1143,"marks":1144,"value":1145,"nodeType":144},{},[],"In her current role as Clinical Performance Consultant in NSW & ACT, Bhavishna plays a pivotal role in supporting partners and optometrists in delivering expert clinical care. Her focus on creating exceptional customer journeys ensures that patients receive personalised and top-notch eye care services.","Bhavishna Narsey ","BOptom(Hons) TPA",{"url":1149},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fuuaxywrybmpn\u002F1tjzyvgoy4dCY3KaZK9NLK\u002F777666df62926b2880f310690ea22fee\u002FBhavishna_Narsey.jpg",{"__typename":1151,"sys":1152,"title":1154,"theme":187,"listType":1155,"expandAccordion":36,"accordionEntriesCollection":1156},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":1153},"3AjnQu5UHdC6MoG9QmOHaB","Sources we've used ","Numbered",{"items":1157},[1158,1167,1174,1180,1187,1194],{"__typename":1159,"sys":1160,"citationAuthor":1162,"citationYear":1163,"citationDescription":1164,"citationUrl":1165,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},"Citation",{"id":1161},"1m39spcyNVQocWn2821cMX","Cleveland Clinic",2025,"Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)","https:\u002F\u002Fmy.clevelandclinic.org\u002Fhealth\u002Fdiseases\u002F10707-amblyopia-lazy-eye","2025-12-15T00:00:00.000Z",{"__typename":1159,"sys":1168,"citationAuthor":1170,"citationYear":1171,"citationDescription":1172,"citationUrl":1173,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},{"id":1169},"6ZFw8cxiF7wRHf5Tdh6Ahu","Findlay",2020,"The prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment among New Zealand children in a community with significant socioeconomic disadvantage: is current preschool vision screening effective? ","https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F32325466\u002F",{"__typename":1159,"sys":1175,"citationAuthor":1177,"citationYear":1163,"citationDescription":1178,"citationUrl":1179,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},{"id":1176},"2Nr40EcrgHjC9WWC52D1U2","Health New Zealand","B4 School Check","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tewhatuora.govt.nz\u002Ffor-health-professionals\u002Fclinical-guidance\u002Fspecific-life-stage-health-information\u002Fchild-health\u002Fwell-child-tamariki-programme\u002Fte-mahau-tarearea-o-tamariki-ora\u002Fb4-school-check",{"__typename":1159,"sys":1181,"citationAuthor":1183,"citationYear":1184,"citationDescription":1185,"citationUrl":1186,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},{"id":1182},"qzVVkNWLOkV98hhcv0yvU","National Eye Institute",2024,"Amblyopia","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nei.nih.gov\u002Flearn-about-eye-health\u002Feye-conditions-and-diseases\u002Famblyopia-lazy-eye",{"__typename":1159,"sys":1188,"citationAuthor":1190,"citationYear":1191,"citationDescription":1192,"citationUrl":1193,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},{"id":1189},"1rtV3wxnKMObzIBPxtmSoZ","NZAO ",2015," Amblyopia ‐ New Treatments Show Brain Plasticity is Alive and Well. ","https:\u002F\u002Fnzao.nz\u002Fassets\u002FPublications\u002FGPQ\u002FGPQ-43-May2015-A3.pdf",{"__typename":1159,"sys":1195,"citationAuthor":1197,"citationYear":1198,"citationDescription":1199,"citationUrl":1200,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":1166},{"id":1196},"63BIb5SHvybuWJ5YzpcRWU","Ridder",2023,"Standard Amblyopia Therapy in Adults with Longstanding Amblyopia Improves Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity.","https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC10317545\u002F",{"__typename":1202,"sys":1203,"title":1205,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":187,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1206},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":1204},"4B1jbqghJNAiamx8wh5lYr","Find out more",{"items":1207},[1208,1216,1224],{"title":1209,"body":1210,"imageAltText":1211,"linkText":1212,"linkUrl":1213,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36,"image":1214},"Why do I need an eye test?","Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.","A man undergoes an eye exam, looking into a slit lamp while an eye care professional examines his eye.","Check your vision","\u002Feye-tests\u002Fdo-i-need-an-eye-test",{"url":1215},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fuuaxywrybmpn\u002F0m0X2zxvzwmGgSdaLmKjr\u002F22b1fcb2cff0c095c09f43cb83998189\u002Feye-health_eyetest-banner-545x273.webp",{"title":1217,"body":1218,"imageAltText":1219,"linkText":1220,"linkUrl":1221,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36,"image":1222},"Your store visit explained","At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.","A optometrist operates an eye examination machine while an older man sits in front of it.","What to expect in-store","\u002Feye-tests\u002Fyour-store-visit-explained",{"url":1223},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fuuaxywrybmpn\u002F6QwhITwthLzuD6pL1VvWJi\u002Fffd60b36927947fd2f69c9b209caa785\u002Feye-health_storevisit-banner-545x273.webp",{"title":1225,"body":1226,"imageAltText":1227,"linkText":1228,"linkUrl":1229,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":36,"image":1230},"More on eye tests","An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.","A friendly optometrist giving advice to a patient in the test room.","All about eye tests","\u002Feye-tests",{"url":1231},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fuuaxywrybmpn\u002F5klEt6jTY53XMRkReMeHt9\u002F47f0f0e423a6f56d34cbcf07210ee0b1\u002Feye-health_eyetestinfo-banner-545x273.webp",{"__typename":1151,"sys":1233,"title":1235,"theme":1236,"listType":1237,"expandAccordion":36,"accordionEntriesCollection":1238},{"id":1234},"3BvnafBbHG7FFQlCN4OxeH","Terms & Conditions","Grey","Bullet",{"items":1239},[1240],{"__typename":1241,"body":1242},"TermsAndConditions",{"json":1243},{"data":1244,"content":1245,"nodeType":179},{},[1246],{"data":1247,"content":1248,"nodeType":178},{},[1249],{"data":1250,"marks":1251,"value":1252,"nodeType":144},{},[],"Free exam for AA Members applies to standard eye examinations only, normally valued at $60. Excludes contact lens examination and visual field checks. Limited to one per AA Member every two years. Available to current AA Members upon presentation of AA Membership card.",[17,17,17],1783652769185]