What is the term used for "lazy eye," a condition that can lead to one eye having poorer vision in children?

The term "lazy eye" refers to amblyopia, which is a vision development disorder where one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, often due to improper eye alignment or miscommunication between the eye and the brain. In children, this condition can arise from various factors, such as strabismus (crossed eyes), significant differences in prescription between the two eyes, or other visual impairments. Amblyopia is typically characterized by one eye being stronger than the other, leading to decreased vision in the weaker eye if not treated early on.

Proper identification and intervention for amblyopia are crucial, as it can have long-lasting effects on a child's visual development and overall visual health if not addressed. Treatments may include corrective lenses, patching the stronger eye, or vision therapy to strengthen the connection between the eye and the brain. Recognizing and understanding amblyopia is essential for optometric technicians, as they play a significant role in identifying and assisting in the management of this common pediatric issue.

The other terms mentioned pertain to different eye conditions: conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva; macular degeneration affects the central vision, often related to aging; and presbyopia is the age-related difficulty in seeing close objects. Each of