Crossed eyes, or strabismus (strah-BIZ-muss), in children can cause the loss of vision in one eye when it is left untreated. Amblyopia (am-blee-OPE-ee-uh), or lazy eye as it’s commonly called, can become permanent after age 5 or 6, because crossed eyes are more difficult to treat after a child is past preschool age. Amblyopia occurs as a result of the two images created when the eyes are crossed. Since the brain can’t make sense of the two images, it blocks out the image from the weaker or misaligned eye. Eye care specialists may use one or a combination of several techniques to strengthen or realign the affected eye. Eyepatches or exercises are often used to force use of the weakened eye. Surgery on the muscles controlling the eye is another possible remedy. Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist in your area for more information.