Lazy Eye

Commonly known as “lazy eye”, amblyopia is marked by reduced vision in one eye due to the eye and brain not working together properly. The condition usually begins when one eye, though it may appear normal, is weaker and not able to focus as well as the other, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye. Affecting about 2 percent of the population, amblyopia is the most common vision impairment in children. Although lazy eye typically affects only one eye, it is possible for both eyes to be affected.

Amblyopia may cause one eye to wander inward or outward, or it may prevent both eyes from working in unison. Amblyopia almost always is detectable before age 6, and because connections between the eye and brain are formed in childhood, early diagnosis and treatment is important. If left untreated, the maturing brain eventually may ignore signals from the weaker eye, causing permanent vision loss. In fact, amblyopia is the most common cause of monocular (single eye) vision problems in young to middle-age adults. With early diagnosis and treatment in childhood, including prescription lenses, eye patches, eye drops, or vision therapy, there is a good chance for complete recovery. Sometimes, surgical treatment is necessary. 

The specialists at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye use the most advanced technology and are known for working together to treat the full range of both common and complex corneal problems. From cataract and corneal surgeries to highly specialized contact lenses, Callahan features the expertise, experience, and cutting-edge equipment needed to treat the most challenging corneal conditions. Patients come here from around the world and nation because we don’t just treat eye disease – we empower patients to take control of their eye health.

Callahan is the only full-service facility in Alabama specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and one of only a few worldwide that is entirely devoted to advancements in ophthalmology. That reputation is supported by 17 operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery and the region’s only freestanding 24/7 dedicated eye emergency department. More than 15,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye procedures than any other facility in the world.

Callahan also is known for pioneering developments in surgical instruments, devices, and procedures used by ophthalmologists across the globe. As part of the UAB Medicine academic medical center, Callahan is actively involved in ongoing research and clinical trials. Many of our ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to bring the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

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