Lazy eye (amblyopia)

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors

When to seek medical advice
Tests and diagnosis
Complications
Treatments and drugs

Definition

The brain and eyes work together to produce vision. If the brain favors one eye — usually due to poor vision in the other eye — the weaker eye tends to wander inward or outward. Eventually, the brain may ignore the signals received from the weaker eye. This condition is known as lazy eye (amblyopia).

Lazy eye is the leading cause of decreased vision among children. And lazy eye is fairly common. Lazy eye affects about two to three of every 100 children, according to the National Eye Institute.

Lazy eye is typically detected during childhood. Often, conservative treatments such as corrective eyewear or eye patches can correct lazy eye. In some cases, lazy eye requires surgical treatment. Left untreated, lazy eye may lead to permanent vision impairment.

Symptoms