3-Year-Old's Eye Injury Reveals Severe Lazy Eye Condition Since Birth

Three-year-old Itay was brought to Shaare Zedek Medical Center after sustaining an eye injury while playing at home. Although the injury itself healed quickly, medical examinations uncovered a serious vision problem that had gone unnoticed since his birth. Itay had a severe case of amblyopia, or lazy eye, in his right eye, which had only been able to perceive shadows until the injury prompted further investigation.

Initially, doctors treated a corneal scratch and minor bleeding caused by a plastic piece hitting Itay’s right eye. However, they soon realized that the poor vision in that eye was not solely due to the injury. Follow-up tests revealed that his right eye’s vision remained significantly impaired, while his left eye was normal. Advanced imaging and assessments confirmed that the amblyopia had been present since birth.

Dr. Yaki Caspi, an ophthalmology specialist involved in Itay’s care, described the case as a rare coincidence where the accidental injury led to the timely diagnosis of a potentially irreversible condition. Itay was prescribed glasses and an eye patch to strengthen his weaker eye, resulting in notable vision improvement within a month. He began recognizing small numbers on vision charts, marking significant progress.

Dr. Achia Nemat, a pediatric eye specialist, explained that children often do not realize they have vision loss because their stronger eye compensates. Without early diagnosis and treatment, the brain may ignore the weaker eye, making recovery impossible. Itay’s mother, Orel, shared her shock at learning her son had lived three years with severely impaired vision in one eye without any signs. She urged parents not to delay vision screenings, emphasizing that early detection saved her son from potential blindness.

Shaare Zedek’s ophthalmology department recommends vision tests at ages one, three, and five, even if no symptoms or family history exist. Early screening can prevent permanent vision damage and preserve sight.