Spotting the Differences Between Lazy Eye and Strabismus

When you notice an eye that will not quite stay in line, or you have a child who struggles with vision on one side, you want to figure out what’s causing it as soon as possible so you can seek treatment. Symptoms like those could indicate lazy eye or strabismus. While these conditions sound similar, they come from different issues.

At Richens Eye Center in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, Dr. Sharon Richens brings decades of experience as a board-certified ophthalmologist, eye physician and surgeon, Stanford graduate, and laser vision specialist. Her team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists works alongside her to help patients understand what is happening and what to do next.

How Lazy Eye and Strabismus Differ

Lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, and strabismus often get mixed together because they can show up at the same time. The difference comes down to what is actually causing the problem. 

Lazy eye is rooted in how the brain and eye communicate. One eye starts to fall behind, and the brain eventually relies less on it. The eye itself may look normal from the outside, so many people do not notice it right away.

Strabismus is easier to spot. It occurs when the eyes are not aligned, causing one eye to drift inward, outward, upward, or downward. Eye muscles and alignment are the main issues in this scenario. Your vision might still be clear at first, but the brain may eventually start favoring the stronger eye. When that happens, lazy eye can develop. 

In short, strabismus can lead to a lazy eye, but a lazy eye does not create strabismus.

Signs That Suggest One Condition Over the Other

You might notice your child covering one eye, tilting their head to look at something, or struggling with depth perception. Adults may see double vision or have trouble keeping their eyes aligned when tired. 

If the eye looks straight but vision is weaker in one eye, that suggests lazy eye. If the eye turns or drifts, strabismus is more likely. When both vision loss and drifting happen together, the two conditions may be connected.

Schedule Your Appointment

An evaluation at Richens Eye Center will help determine what condition you are dealing with. Then, our team can walk you through treatment options that fit the situation, whether that involves improving eye alignment, strengthening vision, or addressing both. To schedule an appointment, call any of our four locations:

• St. George Downtown & Mesquite Locations: 435-986-2020
• St. George Sunset Location: 435-628-1112