Alabama Optometric Practice Exam

Amblyopia is commonly referred to as "lazy eye," which describes the condition where one eye does not develop normal vision, often due to disuse, strabismus (crossed eyes), or significant differences in refractive error between the two eyes. The term "lazy eye" reflects the fact that the affected eye tends to have reduced vision and does not function as effectively as the other eye. This condition typically develops during childhood and can lead to permanent vision impairment if not treated promptly.

The other terms in the options refer to different visual issues and are not synonymous with amblyopia. For instance, "vision impairment" is a broader term that encompasses any reduction in the ability to see, and does not specifically indicate the unique nature of amblyopia. "Eye strain" refers to discomfort resulting from prolonged use of eyes, often from activities like reading or using screens, and does not denote a structural or developmental issue with vision itself. "Night blindness" pertains to difficulties seeing in low-light conditions, which is unrelated to the developmental issues associated with amblyopia. Thus, the widely accepted colloquial term for amblyopia is indeed "lazy eye."