Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Generality

Amblyopia is a condition characterized by the weakening of vision in one eye. The disorder, also known as "lazy eye", is the leading cause of visual impairment among children.

Amblyopia results from incorrect visual and neuronal development. Lazy eye occurs during the first few years of life and, unless successfully treated in the developmental phase of the child, can persist into adulthood. Amblyopia, in fact, is the most common cause of monocular (ie one-eyed) visual impairment among young people and middle-aged adults. If neglected, this condition can cause permanent vision loss.

Causes

Amblyopia is the medical term used to indicate reduced vision in one of the eyes, since the eye and the brain process visual input unevenly or abnormally. This condition occurs when the nerve pathways between the brain and the eye are not adequately stimulated.

Amblyopia can be caused by any condition that disrupts normal visual development or use of the eyes, including squint (when the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction) or the difference in vision quality between the eyes (for for example, if one eye is more myopic, long-sighted, or astigmatic than the other). Sometimes amblyopia is caused by other eye conditions, such as cataracts.