Amblyopia (Lazy eyes)

Amblyopia is a neuro-developmental condition in which vision does not develop adequately in one eye. Amblyopia may be caused by any condition that affects normal visual development or use of the eyes including an eye turn, uncorrected refractive error, or ocular pathology which blocks light from reaching the retina such as a cataract. In each of these cases, the brain chooses to ignore the image produced by the affected eye (known as suppression), which inhibits the growth and development of the nerve fibers of the affected eye. Most children adapt well to seeing through one eye, so many parents are unaware that the child has a problem and the condition often goes undiagnosed. All children are recommended to have a thorough eye examination before they start school.