Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is a developmental visual disorder in which one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity despite the absence of structural abnormalities. It occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other, suppressing signals from the weaker eye.

This condition typically develops in early childhood and is most often caused by strabismus (eye misalignment), significant refractive differences between the eyes, or visual deprivation resulting from cataracts or droopy eyelids. Without timely treatment, amblyopia can lead to permanent visual impairment, making early detection critical. Symptoms may include poor depth perception, squinting, eye wandering, or difficulty with visual tasks. Treatment strategies aim to stimulate the weaker eye and strengthen neural pathways involved in vision. Traditional therapies include corrective glasses, eye patching, atropine drops, and vision therapy exercises, while modern digital therapies using virtual reality or specialized games are emerging as promising alternatives. Early intervention, ideally before age seven, offers the best prognosis, though research increasingly supports treatment benefits into adolescence and adulthood. Parental awareness and routine pediatric eye exams play essential roles in early diagnosis. Amblyopia demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of the developing brain—its success relies on identifying and addressing visual imbalance during critical growth periods to preserve full sight and binocular function throughout life.