What is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)?

Amblyopia describes a progressive loss of vision that occurs because of poor development in one or both eyes during infancy and childhood. Usually, only one eye is affected. Infants with lazy eye will make a fuss and cry if one eye is covered. Children with lazy eye may be able to see things well on one side, but have problems seeing all objects clearly and judging depth or distances. Consequently, they may try covering one eye or tilting their head to read. They may also be seen rubbing their eyes, winking or bumping into objects on the side of their weaker eye. Children with crossed-eyes often develop lazy eye. However, this degenerative condition may also develop without any very obvious signs, and the affected eye often appears perfectly normal.

Lazy eye usually develops because of an inherited condition and is experienced by children. There is very little likelihood that lazy eye would develop in an adult.