New Delhi, Apr 16, 2025: Imagine seeing the world through two windows—one clear and one foggy. Now, suppose your brain starts ignoring the foggy one altogether. This is what happens in amblyopia, or lazy eye. The eye isn’t lazy—it’s just being overlooked by the brain.
Lazy eye is a childhood condition where one eye doesn’t develop normal vision. It usually begins when the brain starts favoring one eye over the other, often due to differences in focus or eye alignment. Over time, the weaker eye becomes less active, and if left untreated, this can lead to lasting vision problems.
Amblyopia affects around 5% of children under 15, making it the leading cause of vision loss in kids. The condition can be caused by unequal focusing abilities between the eyes, crossed or drifting eyes, or anything that blocks clear vision—like droopy eyelids or cataracts. Children born prematurely or with a family history of eye issues are more likely to develop it.
Lazy eye isn’t always easy to notice, especially in young kids. Some signs parents can watch out for include squinting, closing one eye, tilting the head, or bumping into things often. If an eye seems to drift or appear crossed, it may also signal a problem.
“Treatment works by encouraging the brain to use the weaker eye, helping it catch up. Common approaches include eye patching—covering the stronger eye for a few hours a day, prescription glasses to improve focus, and sometimes even eye drops to temporarily blur the stronger eye. In some cases, surgery may be required to fix alignment or remove obstructions,” observes Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis(India). Early diagnosis—preferably before age 7—offers the best results, though vision in older kids and even adults can still improve with the right care.
The good news? Lazy eye can usually be treated successfully if caught early. Routine eye exams, especially in the preschool years, can catch hidden vision problems and help your child grow up seeing clearly with both eyes.