Any older adults with double lazy eye?

Hello @elke1211, I try to be one of those glass half full instead of half empty folks. I'm thinking at 49 you are still a youngster. I don't know what options might be available for lazy eye (amblyopia) but I think it might be worth seeking a second opinion from a specialist. @angelflorida, @karen22, @marshgirl and @ihatediabetes have mentioned amblyopia in other discussions and may have some suggestions for you.

I did find some information on treatment in adults that might be helpful:
-- New hope for adults with amblyopia (lazy eye): https://www.news-medical.net/health/New-hope-for-adults-with-amblyopia.aspx.

Have you thought about seeing an eye specialist to see if there may be newer treatments?

Hi everyone,
Yes I have had amblyopia since I was a child. Now I just hit 60 years old. I did explore eye muscle surgery, etc. But in the end the doctors recommended conservative care so no surgery.

I have benefited from putting a little prism in my glasses because I had a misalignment. I definitely think my vision has gotten better with the prism and my eyes are working better together even at age 60. But I think eye muscle surgery would have been too much too fast.

Thank you!!! I try to be “half full” too. 😉

I had surgery on one eye as a toddler - amblyopia and esotropia (inward eye turn). At age 62 (over 50 years later), started to decompensate and developed distorted vision during the pandemic. Saw 2 optometrists in CA with no help (just kept giving me different multifocal glasses). I moved to another State in late 2022.

Optometrist in PNW noticed I had Strabismus (eye turn inward), but said it was controlled well. She thought it could be my astigmatism causing distortion. I was very near sighted and had Lasik in February 2023. Vision became 20/25, but still much distorted. Eventually, I noticed eye turn while looking in mirror and double vision started happening (not just distorted).

Last summer, I went to a Vision Development Center nearby to have comprehensive testing done. My distortion was at 40 degrees diopters. Dr said prisms would be too heavy and vision therapy could only help half of my issues. He referred me to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist even though you are an adult. Only about a handful of specialists for this in entire State so I had to be driven considerable distance for all my long appointments. I had pretty much given up driving except if absolutely necessary.

I saw Pediatric Ophthalmologist in October with several appointment to make sure stable measurements. Diagnosed with esotropia (inward turn) and hypertropia (eye upwards) and 30-40 diopters on constant basis. I had surgery last January on both eyes. One month out, I was still having double vision and told probably need more surgery. At around 3 months (April), I had a massive improvement in measurements (now between 8-20 diopters) with no visible eye turn and no more double vision!

It is almost 6 months out and I was able to drive a road trip of 2000 miles with no issues. I only have a tiny bit of residual at far right and left extremes, but no double vision. Dr stated if I experience any increasing problems to contact via email for consultation. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am 65 years old now and it has really helped my quality of life.

You have to get to a Specialist (maybe more than one) and get evaluated to find out your options. You might have better options than surgery unlike me. Link for American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus:
https://secure.aapos.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=7&pageID=3322
Good luck!

I'm so thankful for seeing your reply to this post. I'm 59 yrs old, I started noticing misalignment in my left eye, about 14 yrs ago. It was very gradual.
I had never had eye problems before, I had always bragged that my eyes were my " perfect part of me". ( We now see where bragging gets us...lol) I waited about 2 yrs before seeing the Eye Doctor, I think I was hoping it would just go away. It didn't happen often and wasn't always noticeable. But, I then knew I had to go, I noticed double TV screens one evening, that wasn't supposed to be.
I did see an Eye Doctor and she quickly walked me into her colleagues office next door, and he examined my eyes. I found out he was a Pediatric Opthalmologist, and he decided surgery would be helpful.
The surgery did wonders for a very long time. Unfortunately he moved for awhile after surgery, and so did my Eye Dr. They both moved to different states.
I just started having problems again about 2021. I went to an Eye Doctor, he tested me and told me that when I had that Strabismus surgery before, I should of been recommended to do exercises for the eyes afterwards, Eye Therapy of sorts for 6 weeks. He also said at times glasses are recommended for a while when muscles are strengthening?
He started me in glasses, I changed a few times different prescriptions and then in Aug of 2024, prisms were added. They have helped in many ways, but I also feel that the Strabismus is worse at times. It's always been my left eye only, but last night, I noticed my right eye travel outward for the first time.
Luckily, I just found out the Pediatric Opthalmologist I did see before, he has moved back to my city again. I am going to call and see if he can help me.
It's sad when a lot of people think because you aren't young anymore, that we need to accept things like this. I can't. I will find someone on this planet to help me.
So sorry for rambling! I just was excited to see a Pediatric Physician helped you! I have my fingers 🤞. Best wishes to you, keep those eyes healthy.

Good luck! You will find out what your options are with your particular situation. My results weren't perfect, but I continue to not have double vision.
It is wonderful to be able to drive freely. Your independence is a very important thing. Best wishes to you.