Does My Child Have Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) or a Squint (Strabismus)? | Ringwood North & Mornington Optometrist

Your child’s vision plays a critical role in their learning, development, confidence, and long-term eye health. Yet many parents are unsure whether what they’re noticing is simply “normal development” or something that needs professional attention.

Two of the most common childhood vision conditions we diagnose at A Plus Optometry in Ringwood North and Mornington are lazy eye (amblyopia) and squint (strabismus). Early detection is everything.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)?

Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, occurs when one eye does not develop normal vision during early childhood. Even though the eye itself may look perfectly healthy, the brain begins to favour the stronger eye and ignores signals from the weaker one.

Over time, this leads to reduced vision in the affected eye.

Signs Your Child May Have Amblyopia:

The challenge? Many children don’t complain because they assume what they see is normal. If amblyopia is not treated early, the reduced vision can become permanent.

What Is a Squint (Strabismus)?

A squint, or strabismus, happens when the eyes are not aligned properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.

Strabismus can be constant or intermittent.

Common Signs of Strabismus:

Strabismus is often linked to amblyopia because when the eyes are misaligned, the brain may suppress one eye to avoid double vision – which then leads to lazy eye.

Does My Child Have Lazy Eye or a Squint?

We regularly assess children from Ringwood North, Warranwood, Croydon, Mornington and Mount Eliza for early signs of amblyopia and strabismus.

Here’s the key difference:

A child can have:

This is why a comprehensive children’s eye examination is essential. A quick school screening is not enough to detect subtle binocular vision issues or early amblyopia.

At A Plus Optometry Ringwood North and Mornington, our focus on Children Eye Health and Early Prevention ensures that problems are identified before they affect learning or long-term vision development. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.

Why Early Detection of Lazy Eye or a Squint Matters

The visual system develops rapidly in the first 7–8 years of life. This period is critical.

If lazy eye is detected early, treatment options such as listed below can significantly improve visual outcomes:

The earlier we act, the better the brain responds. Waiting until a child complains often means the window for optimal correction has already narrowed. Our optometrists have extensive experience in paediatric binocular vision assessment and early amblyopia management.

When Should My Child Be Checked?

Even if there are no obvious signs, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam before starting school.

You should book sooner if you notice:

Vision problems are not always visible – but their impact on learning, behaviour, and confidence can be significant.

Treatment of Lazy Eye or a Squint at A Plus Optometry Ringwood North & Mornington

We take children’s vision seriously because it shapes their future.

Our expert team provides:

We don’t rush children through appointments. We build trust, make the experience comfortable, and give parents clarity.

Because prevention is always better than correction.

The Bottom Line for Parents

If you’re wondering whether your child has lazy eye or a squint, that alone is reason enough to check.

Early diagnosis can:

When it comes to children’s eyes, knowing about children’s eye health and proactive care make all the difference.