Vision Therapy Improves Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Henry was referred to Dr. Gesford by his primary care optometrist in Gastonia for vision therapy.  Henry is a sweet 8 year old boy who was having difficulty seeing well out of his right eye.  Henry had been wearing glasses since 6 years old; however, his current visual acuity was only 20/80 out of his right eye, while the left eye had 20/20 vision.  This condition, known as amblyopia, is commonly called a “lazy eye.”  Henry also exhibited a subtle eye turn inward (a type of strabismus known as esotropia).  His mom had noted difficulty with sports, particularly with catching or hitting a ball.  Henry actually said he would get scared when a ball came towards him because he was afraid it was going to hit him.

Henry’s amblyopia of his right eye was affecting his depth perception.  When the two eyes do not have equal vision, the eyes often have difficulty working together as a team, which makes it challenging to judge how far a ball or another person is from you.  Amblyopia can also make reading less efficient, interfering with reading comprehension, and can affect driving performance.

Henry completed a program of in-office vision therapy under Dr. Gesford’s direction.  His visual acuity improved from 20/80 to 20/30 in his right eye.  He also measured perfect stereopsis (depth perception) at the completion of his therapy.  The most exciting fact is that Henry now enjoys playing catch and is no longer fearful of the ball coming toward him.

Vision therapy is not just for kids.  Adults with amblyopia can have the same success with vision therapy as Henry did.

If you know anyone who has amblyopia, contact Dr. Gesford if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment!