Amblyopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is a vision development disorder in which one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It typically begins during infancy or early childhood and is one of the leading causes of decreased vision among children. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment.
What Causes Amblyopia?
Amblyopia occurs when the brain and one eye are not working together properly. The brain favors the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to become underused. Over time, this lack of use leads to poor visual development in the affected eye. The condition generally develops due to several underlying issues:
Strabismus (Eye Misalignment): When the eyes are not aligned properly, the brain may ignore signals from one eye to avoid double vision.