Amblyopia: Who Is at Risk for Lazy Eye?

Detecting strabismus and amblyopia in children

All children, whether or not they are at risk for amblyopia (lazy eye), should have their eyes examined during their regular well-child visits with their primary care doctor or provider; detecting and treating amblyopia as early as possible will make a real difference later on in their lives. In addition to the well-baby exams that all babies should have as newborns and between ages 6 to 12 months, preschool-aged children should have their vision screened by their pediatrician or primary care doctor between 3 and 4 years old.

Most primary care or pediatric doctors test vision as part of a child's medical examination. They may refer a child to an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) if there is any sign of eye problems.

If there is a family history of misaligned eyes, childhood cataracts or a serious eye disease, an ophthalmologist should examine the eyes during infancy.

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