Can lasik correct amblyopia?

Amblyopia: Amblyopic therapy is specific and if there is a refractive error difference between the two eyes that is responsible for the amblyopia then lasik surgery could be considered depending on the age and other circumstances. If the amblyopia is uncorrected before the age of six, it is usually not correctable.

Sometimes!: Even though amblyopia is considered a permanent problem that started in childhood, several studies have shown that patients with amblyopia may actually gain sharper vision (as measured by improvement in their vision....20/50 may improve to 20/30). I have seen this in my own lasik practice. More lasik info: http://www.2020vision.Com.

No: No. Amblyopia is a problem with visual development. Lasik can get rid of the glasses prescription but if your best corrected vision in the ambitious eye with glasses is limited prior to surgery, then it will remain limited after the surgery in that eye.

Sometimes: Many studies have shown improvement in vision in patients with amblyopia. But we don't know why it woks! amblyopia is a problem with wiring and processing in the brain, so lasik should not help.

No: There is no surgical procedure that will correct amblyopia. In fact, in my opinion, lasik surgery should never be done in a patient with amblyopia. This advice is from a surgeon who has done thousands of lasik procedures.

Yes: Published studies have shown that 80 percent of people with amblyopia have an improvement in vision after lasik. The best results are obtained when the amblyopia is refractive in nature. Other reasons of amblyopia like corneal opacity cataract, pfv, retinoblastoma, optic nerve problems have to be excluded.

Lasik: Lasik can eliminate your glasses or contact lens prescription but will not correct underlying amblyopia.