ABO Ophthalmology Complete Practice Exam 2025

The term "amblyopia" refers specifically to a condition often described as "lazy eye," which is a vision development disorder that typically occurs during childhood. It is characterized by the eye and brain not working together properly, leading to poor or indistinct vision in an otherwise healthy eye. In amblyopia, one eye may develop a much weaker visual acuity than the other, which can result from various factors such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness), or deprivation due to cataracts in a child. This developmental issue occurs because the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to an underdevelopment of visual pathways and processing for the weaker eye.

Understanding this definition is crucial, especially since amblyopia can lead to permanent vision impairment if not detected and treated early in life. Interventions, such as patching the stronger eye or correcting refractive errors, are often employed to encourage normal vision development. This specific focus on amblyopia as a treatable condition underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management in pediatric ophthalmology.