Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye that has not developed normally in childhood, even with glasses.

Common symptoms

Reduced vision in one eye, poor depth perception, and sometimes a squint, often first picked up at school vision screening.

Description

Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, is a condition in which the visual connections between one eye and the brain do not develop fully during early childhood. As a result, vision in the affected eye is reduced even when the eye itself looks healthy.

Common causes include a significant difference in focusing between the two eyes, a squint, or something blocking clear vision in early life such as a cataract or droopy eyelid.

Amblyopia is usually treated in childhood with glasses, patching the stronger eye, or eye drops that temporarily blur it, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder. Early detection through routine eye tests gives the best chance of improving vision.