Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Investigations and Management

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by decreased visual acuity in one or both eyes due to abnormal visual development during the critical period (birth to 7–9 years of age). It occurs due to inadequate stimulation of the visual pathway, leading to reduced visual function that is not correctable by refractive means alone and has no structural abnormality of the eye. Causes (Etiology) Amblyopia can be classified based on the underlying cause: Strabismic Amblyopia – Caused by constant or intermittent strabismus (ocular misalignment), leading to suppression of the deviated eye. Refractive Amblyopia – Due to uncorrected refractive errors: Anisometropic Amblyopia – Significant difference in refractive power between the two eyes. Isometropic Amblyopia – High but equal refractive errors in both eyes. Deprivation Amblyopia – Caused by conditions that obstruct visual input during early life (e.g., congenital cataract, ptosis, corneal opacity). Meridional Amblyo…