NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

Early treatment for amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," is crucial because it can lead to significant improvements in visual outcomes. The primary goal of treatment is to enhance vision in the affected eye, enabling the brain to develop and strengthen its connection with that eye. When initiated at a young age, interventions such as corrective lenses, patching the stronger eye, or vision therapy can successfully stimulate the development of normal visual acuity in the amblyopic eye.

A successful intervention can lead to normal vision being established, not just in the affected eye, but also helping the overall visual skills of the child. This is especially important because if left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision deficits as the brain may begin to disregard input from the affected eye entirely. Therefore, the emphasis on early treatment underscores the potential for recovering normal vision and maximizing functional visual abilities.