Definition of Amblyopia:

Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is the loss of one eye's ability to see details. It is the most common cause of vision problems in children.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Amblyopia occurs when the brain and eyes do not work together properly. In persons with amblyopia, the brain favors one eye.

The preferred eye has normal vision, but because the brain ignores the other eye, a person's vision ability does not develop normally. Between ages 5 and 10, the brain stops growing and the condition becomes permanent.

Strabismus is the most common cause of amblyopia, and there is often a family history of this condition.

Other causes include:

• Astigmatism in both eyes
• Childhood cataracts
• Farsightedness
• Nearsightedness