Amblyopia Queens & Nassau County

When one eye consistently sends a clearer image to the brain than the other, the brain may start to ignore the blurrier input. Over time, this can lead to amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.” Dr. Lichtenstein is a leading pediatric amblyopia specialist in Queens and Nassau County.

How Does Amblyopia Develop?

While vision begins in the eyes, it actually takes place in the brain. The eyes focus images and send them to the brain, which interprets and understands them. If one eye delivers a sharper, clearer image, the brain will favor that eye and begin to ignore the blurrier one. As a result, the visual centers in the brain linked to the weaker eye will not fully develop. This condition is often called “lazy eye,” but the correct medical term is amblyopia.

How Is Amblyopia Treated?

Treating amblyopia involves training the brain to use the image from the weaker eye. The first step is to make the image clear in that eye using glasses and/or surgery if needed. If this isn’t enough, the “good eye” is temporarily made to see worse than the amblyopic eye. Once the brain receives equally clear images from both eyes, treatment is no longer necessary.

This can be done by covering the stronger eye with a patch, using an eye drop (atropine) to blur it, or using a specialized vision device like Luminopia. These methods force the brain to pay attention to the amblyopic eye.

When to Start Pediatric Amblyopia Treatment Queens & Nassau County

The earlier amblyopia treatment begins, the better. The brain’s visual learning period lasts until about age eight, give or take a few months. Starting treatment early also means it can be completed sooner, since younger brains adapt more easily. Even so, treatment is often worthwhile for children diagnosed at age eight, nine, or even 10, as each brain responds differently.

Excellent attention from the staff and the Doctor. He always explains everything in detail. I would never change my son's Doctor. My son has been there since he was 7 months old, and now he is 7 years old.

Ariam Ponce

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We’re honored to be the first call for pediatricians and parents when a child needs expert eye care. Local doctors send their patients our way with confidence, and families share their positive experiences with neighbors, friends, and extended relatives. Here’s why our reputation continues to grow:

More Than 25 Years of Pediatric Expertise

Since 1999, Dr. Lichtenstein has cared for tens of thousands of children across Queens, Nassau County, and the tri-state area. Backed by decades of surgical experience and an unmistakable blend of empathy and dry wit, he treats every patient with the same care he’d expect for his own family.

Appointments Kids Don’t Dread

Dr. Lichtenstein brings warmth, creativity, and a deep understanding of childhood development into every visit. Babies get gentle songs and silly props. School-age kids get stories and encouragement. Teens get respect and the occasional Dad joke. It’s a personalized approach that helps children feel safe, seen, and maybe even smile.

Communication That’s Clear and Respectful

You’ll never be left in the dark. Dr. Lichtenstein takes time to explain your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan in language that makes sense—and he invites questions from parents and kids alike. Open, honest communication is central to our care philosophy because confident families make empowered decisions.

Does Amblyopia Treatment Straighten the Eyes?

No. Eye misalignment, or strabismus, is a separate condition.

While strabismus can lead to amblyopia, and amblyopia can sometimes lead to strabismus, treating one will not automatically correct the other. When both are present, it’s generally best to treat amblyopia first, which improves long-term results after strabismus surgery. In rare cases, amblyopia treatment can cause an eye turn, but most parents see this as an acceptable trade-off for restoring vision, since strabismus can be surgically corrected.

Schedule a Consultation

What Are the Risks of Wearing a Patch or Using Atropine?

Both patching and atropine carry a small risk of causing amblyopia in the stronger eye if the brain begins to rely too much on the weaker one. This is usually reversible if detected early, so proper follow-up is critical.

Risks of Wearing a Patch

Some children are allergic to the adhesive in patches. If this happens, try a different brand, use a gauze pad with hypoallergenic tape, or apply tincture of benzoin to protect the skin. For children who wear glasses, “wrap-around” patches can cover the stronger side completely—important since peeking defeats the treatment.

Risks of Using Atropine

Rarely, babies may experience side effects from the small amount of atropine absorbed through the eye. Serious toxicity is more likely if a child drinks from the bottle, which is why the medication must be stored safely. Mild toxicity may cause redness and swelling around the eye or face. At the same time, severe overdose can lead to widespread redness, changes in alertness, inability to produce saliva or urine, and even heart rhythm problems. In such cases, emergency treatment and an antidote are available in all hospitals.

What if My Child Refuses to Wear a Patch?

If possible, atropine may be used instead, though it’s ineffective for dense amblyopia, where covering the stronger eye may be the only solution. Sometimes, a high-powered or occlusive contact lens can be placed on the stronger eye, though it must be removed for cleaning, and some children learn to shift or remove it.

If Nothing Else Works “No-No” Restraints Can Prevent Permanent Vision Loss

As a last resort, arm restraints—often called “no-nos”—can be used to prevent a child from removing a patch. These devices are the same as those used in hospitals to stop children from pulling IVs or sutures. They limit elbow bending but still allow normal hand and arm movement.

Most children agree to wear the patch within a few days in exchange for removing the restraints. Though no parent likes this option, some must choose between temporary restraint and permanent vision loss.

When Should Children Be Checked for Amblyopia?

Children should have a baseline vision screening by age three or four, done by a pediatrician, family doctor, optometrist, ophthalmologist, or school nurse. Each eye should be tested separately, using either a picture chart or letters. A referral to a pediatric eye specialist is needed if vision in both eyes is 20/40 or worse or if one eye sees at least two lines worse than the other (for example, 20/60 vs. 20/40). If vision is equal, and 20/40 or better, referral is generally unnecessary.

Will Surgery Be Required?

If there is an anatomic problem causing the amblyopia, Dr. Lichtenstein will recommend a surgical procedure to address the underlying problem. Visual rehabilitation (treatment of amblyopia) can begin following such pediatric eye surgery.

FAQ Amblyopia

Can amblyopia affect both eyes?

Amblyopia most often affects one eye, but in some cases—particularly when both eyes have high, uncorrected refractive errors—it can affect both. This is known as bilateral amblyopia and is usually more difficult to detect without specialized testing.

Can a standard eye exam detect amblyopia?

Not always. A routine eye exam may show that the structures of the eye (cornea, lens, retina) are normal. A diagnosis of amblyopia is typically made based on visual acuity testing, evaluation of fixation patterns, and comparison of each eye’s function. Dr. Lichtenstein uses age-appropriate vision tests and clinical expertise developed over 25 years to confirm the diagnosis.

Why is the early detection of amblyopia so important?

The brain’s visual development is most flexible in early childhood. If amblyopia is identified and treated early—ideally before age seven—there is a much higher chance of reversing vision loss. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent visual impairment.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein has completed thousands of successful pediatric eye procedures. His wide-ranging surgical knowledge and compassion for his young patients have made him a sought-after pediatric amblyopia specialist in Queens and Nassau County. To schedule an appointment, parents can call us today.