Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is reduced vision in an eye that results from misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), a need for glasses (refractive error). If recognized early (preschool years), amblyopia generally responds well to treatment. If recognized later (after 9-10 years of age), it is much more difficult to treat and the child may have permanent vision loss. Signs and symptoms to watch for include misaligned eyes, squinting one eye, bumping into objects or other signs of poor depth perception, head tilting, and double vision.
Amblyopia therapy can include glasses, patching, eye drops, and sometimes surgery.