Treatment of amblyopia ('lazy eye') depends on the underlying cause, if the amblyopia is caused by squint (or strabismus), the stronger eye may be patched, or covered, in order to make the amblyopic eye work harder. Sometimes surgery to correct the squint may be required. If the cause is very short or long sight in one eye, spectacles and sometimes contact lenses are prescribed, usually with patching.

If the amblyopia is due to an ocular problem such as cataract, that condition will need to be treated. After therapy the patient may require spectacles or contact lenses to restore focusing.