What is amblyopia?

Amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," is indeed a condition where one eye does not develop normal vision, leading to reduced visual acuity in that eye. It typically arises when there is a problem with how the eye and brain work together, which could be due to various factors such as misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), significant differences in refractive errors between the two eyes, or obstruction of visual input during critical periods of visual development, such as a cataract. The key aspect of amblyopia is that the brain starts to favor one eye over the other, resulting in one eye developing poor vision. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, as the visual system is most adaptable in early childhood.

The other options do not define amblyopia accurately. Severe nearsightedness refers to a refractive error and does not encompass the broader implications of amblyopia. An infection affecting the eyelid describes a completely different condition, and excessive screen time, while it can be associated with eye strain or other vision issues, is not a recognized cause of amblyopia. Thus, defining amblyopia as a condition where one eye does not develop normal vision captures the essence of the disorder accurately.