Amblyopia or “Lazy Eye” occurs when the vision of one eye is weakened by the brain suppressing or ignoring its images and favoring the other eye. About 3% of the population has amblyopia, generally undiagnosed.

What happens if amblyopia is left untreated?

Amblyopia is when vision in one of the two eyes is reduced because one of the eyes and the brain are not working together properly. If this goes undiagnosed and untreated, the “lazy eye” eventually becomes very weak from not being used, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Is amblyopia loss of vision?

Lazy eye (amblyopia) is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The weaker — or lazy — eye often wanders inward or outward. Amblyopia generally develops from birth up to age 7 years. It is the leading cause of decreased vision among children.