What are Amblyopia, Strabismus, and Significant Refractive Error?
• Amblyopia is reduced visual acuity in one or both eyes not improved solely with refractive error correction (i.e., prescription glasses) and not attributable to other structural abnormalities. This condition is also sometimes called lazy eye and occurs when the vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye itself looks normal, but it is not being used normally because the brain is favoring the other eye. Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment in childhood. The condition affects approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children. Unless it is successfully treated in early childhood, amblyopia usually persists into adulthood, and is the most common cause of monocular (one eye) visual impairment among children and young and middle-aged adults. • Strabismus is an “eye misalignment” or inability to direct the two eyes in the same direction simultaneously. Strabismus (prevalence 3-4%) can result in amblyopia and p
