Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is a visual disorder that occurs in childhood. It is characterized by a decrease in vision in one or both eyes that is not correctable with glasses or contact lenses. This vision loss occurs because the brain “learns” to ignore the signals coming from the weaker eye and only processes the signals from the stronger eye. This happens because the brain receives blurry or double images from the weaker eye, so it learns to ignore the signals from that eye to avoid confusion.

There are several causes for this disease, but the most common is strabismus, which is a misalignment of the eyes. Other causes include a significant difference in refractive error between the eyes, such as one eye being much more nearsighted or farsighted than the other, or a physical obstruction that prevents light from entering the eye properly. It can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam, which is recommended for all children starting at around 6 months of age.

Treatment for amblyopia usually involves correcting any underlying issues, such as treating strabismus or correcting a refractive error with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, the stronger eye may be patched or blurred to force the weaker eye to work harder and improve its vision. This treatment typically lasts several weeks to several months, and it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye, so early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.