Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is an eye condition where the brain doesn’t receive information from one or both eyes. This almost always affects only one eye but may cause reduced vision in both eyes.

Lazy eye is caused by abnormal visual development in early childhood. This usually occurs due to misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), a structural abnormality (such as a droopy eyelid or cataract) or refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism).

Treatment is only successful at young ages and is rarely beneficial after age 10. Correction of an underlying refractive error may be of some benefit. Children are generally referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment.

Many people mistake a crossed or turned eye (strabismus) as a “lazy eye,” but “lazy eye” (amblyopia) and strabismus are not the same condition. Some of the confusion may be because strabismus can cause amblyopia.