How to Deal With a Lazy eye as a Teen

Having a lazy eye generally does not affect vision or life in general; however, it can be annoying and frustrating, especially for teens. A lazy eye can make you feel different and create awkward moments in social situations. Worse, disrespectful classmates can poke fun and make you feel embarrassed.

Instructions

1. Get plenty of sleep and rest your eyes often by closing them for a few minutes when reading, watching TV or during class lectures to help deal with a lazy eye. Generally a lazy eye is made worse by exhaustion, both of the muscles and body, so make sure you get enough shut eye.

2. Place a patch over your non-wandering eye whenever you are alone, as it will help to strengthen the lazy eye and reduce the amount of wandering. This technique is particularly helpful in the days before a class photo or other event which is causing you stress.

3. Improve your class photos, a major deal for all teenagers, by first informing the photographer that you have a lazy eye. The photographer can stand behind the camera and move a hand as you follow with your eyes, stopping when your focal point creates the illusion that you are looking directly at the camera. Holding your eyes closed until the moment the photo is snapped and/or turning slightly to the side of your good eye will also help to ensure a fantastic photo.

4. Accept the fact that you have a lazy eye and are simply different from the other teenagers around you. Try not to allow mean comments to get you down, as people who tease you only do it out of their own insecurity. This may be the most difficult part of dealing with a lazy eye; however, it is important to accept yourself for who you are.

Tips & Warnings

• There are now various exercises and even surgeries which can help to cure or lessen a lazy eye; however, treatment depends on the cause. Talk to your parents and see an eye specialist to find out what options you have available to you.