If you are concerned that you or your child may have amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, you may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment. Amblyopia is a condition where one eye does not develop properly and does not work as well as the other. This can cause problems with vision, including blurred or double vision, difficulty judging depth, and problems with fine motor skills like handwriting. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
Blackrock Health ophthalmology department
At Blackrock Health, we have earned a long-standing reputation for excellence in private medical and surgical care. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the eye for both adults and children. We have a renowned team of consultants, and we use the latest techniques and technologies. This means we can provide you with a fast, accurate diagnoses and an effective and tailored treatment plan. We understand that experiencing problems with your eyes can be worrying and are committed to providing compassionate and reassuring care. Whether you need a routine check-up or a more complex procedure, we are here to help. Our team provides you with the highest standards of care and support - throughout your journey to better health.
Why I might be referred
Disorders affecting the eye can lead to a variety of symptoms. These include double vision, blurred vision, and vision loss. These symptoms may mean that you find it difficult to perform everyday activities like walking, running, and handwriting. You may be referred to a hospital for this type of service by your GP if you have tried other forms of treatment and are not seeing results.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health ophthalmology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care. Your treatment plan will be led by a member of our team of consultant ophthalmologists, with experience and expertise in this branch of vision sciences. Many of our eye specialists also consult in major teaching hospitals such as the Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital in Dublin.
Treatment for Amblyopia at Blackrock Health
If you or your child is referred to an ophthalmologist for amblyopia, your consultant will conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition and determine the best treatment plan. Treatment options for amblyopia may include:
patching the stronger eye,
using special eye drops to blur the vision in the stronger eye, or
in some cases, surgery to the affected eye
It is important to start treatment as early as possible to improve the best chances of success. Your ophthalmologist will work with you or your child to create a personalised treatment plan and monitor progress throughout the treatment period. With the right treatment, it is possible to improve vision and prevent long-term damage to the affected eye.
Our team
Consultant ophthalmologists
Consultant ophthalmic surgeons
Ophthalmic technicians
Optometrists
Who we treat
Children with amblyopia
Adults who experience vision changes
Individuals with a family history of amblyopia
Treatment of Amblyopia
Strabismic Amblyopia
Strabismic amblyopia occurs when there is a misalignment of the eyes. One eye may turn inward (esotropia) or outward (exotropia) while the other eye maintains normal alignment. The brain often suppresses the image from the misaligned eye, leading to reduced vision in that eye.
Refractive Amblyopia
Refractive errors such as near sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism in one eye can cause refractive amblyopia.
Deprivation Amblyopia
Deprivation amblyopia occurs when something obstructs or deprives the eye of visual input during critical periods of visual development, which prevent clear images from reaching the retina and thus interfere with normal visual development.
Anisometropic Amblyopia
Anisometropic amblyopia refers to a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes. When one eye has a much higher refractive error than the other, the brain may favour the eye with clearer vision, leading to amblyopia in the eye with the higher refractive error.
Form deprivation amblyopia.
Form deprivation amblyopia can occur when there is a physical obstruction to vision in one eye during critical periods of visual development.
Amblyopia symptoms
Poor vision
Blurry vision
Poor depth perception
An eye that wanders inwards
Loss of vision
Treatment for amblyopia
Eye patch
Eye drops
Prescription glasses
Eye surgery
Corrective eyewear
Please note that we do not offer an emergency service for eye health issues. If you have the following symptoms, you should call 112 or 999:
Sudden or severe eye pain
Loss of sight
Lots of flashing lights
Chemicals in your eye
Severe eye trauma
How do I access Ophthalmology services?
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP, optician or consultant before you make an appointment.
My health insurance and costs for Ophthalmology services
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
