To diagnose amblyopia, a detailed eye exam is needed. This may include:

• Vision test: To check how well the child can see
• Cover test: To check if the eyes are aligned
• Corneal reflex test: To see how light reflects on the eye
• Retinoscopy: To measure the shape of the eye
• Cycloplegic refraction: To measure vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness

Treatment for amblyopia depends on what’s causing the problem. At our hospital, we offer a variety of treatments, including:

• Glasses or contact lenses: To fix vision problems and help improve sight
• Patching therapy: Covering the stronger eye to make the weaker eye work harder
• Atropine therapy: Using eye drops to blur vision in the stronger eye, making the weaker eye do more work
• Vision therapy: Exercises to improve how the eyes move and work together
• Surgery: To fix issues like crossed eyes or other problems causing amblyopia

Home Monitoring:

• When Can Your Baby Go Home Without a Monitor? 
  • If your baby has been in the hospital and hasn’t had any significant breathing or heart problems for 3 to 10 days, they can usually go home safely without a monitor.

• When Might a Monitor Be Used at Home? 
  • Sometimes, if your baby is almost ready to go home but still has occasional breathing or heart issues that resolve on their own, a doctor might prescribe a home monitor or medication to help shorten their hospital stay. 
  • However, only a few babies are sent home with a monitor, and only if their episodes stop on their own without needing any intervention.

• Parental Training: 
  • If your baby goes home with a monitor, you’ll be taught how to use the equipment, what to do if an alarm goes off, and how to perform CPR if necessary.
  • You’ll also be given 24/7 phone support and regular check-ins to help decide when to stop using the monitor. 
  • Monitors that can store event data are preferred.

Safe Sleep Positioning:

• Back Sleeping Is Best: 
  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat, and non-inclined surface, unless your doctor advises otherwise due to specific medical conditions. 
  • Avoid side sleeping or propping up the baby, as these positions are unstable.

• Proper Head and Neck Position: 
  • Keep your baby’s head in the middle and their neck in a neutral or slightly extended position to prevent airway blockage.

Car Seat Safety:

• Car Seat Challenge Test: 
  • All preterm infants, especially those with apnea of prematurity, should undergo a car seat challenge test before going home. 
  • This test ensures that your baby can maintain normal breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels while in a car seat, reducing the risk of apnea, bradycardia, or low oxygen levels during car rides.

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Amblyopia (Lazy Eye). Here’s why families trust us:

If your child has been diagnosed with amblyopia or you’re worried about their vision, contact us right away. Our expert team is here to give your child the best care.