What is amblyopia also known as?

• A. Lazy eye
• B. Crossed eyes
• C. Double vision
• D. Night blindness

Answer: (A)

Amblyopia is commonly referred to as "lazy eye." This term describes a condition where vision in one eye does not develop properly during childhood, leading to reduced vision that is not correctable by glasses or contact lenses alone. The affected eye may appear to be functioning but does not provide normal visual input to the brain. The brain tends to favor the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to become "lazy," which is how the term is derived. The importance of identifying and treating amblyopia early in childhood is crucial because the condition can lead to permanent visual impairment if left unaddressed.

In contrast, the other options describe different visual disorders. Crossed eyes, or strabismus, involves misalignment of the eyes. Double vision, known as diplopia, occurs when a person sees two images of one object. Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Each of these conditions has its own distinct causes and treatments that differ significantly from amblyopia.