Lazy Eye Causes & Risks

Causes

Amblyopia is caused when the brain prefers (favors) one eye to the other. The brain’s preference (liking) for one eye over the other can weaken and reduce vision in the eye that is less used.

There are no apparent genetic or environmental factors that can be attributed to causing amblyopia.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

The following factors increase your chances of developing amblyopia. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

• Age: children nine years of age or younger with:
  • Crossed eyes
  • A large difference in eyeglass prescription between the two eyes (nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism)
  • Visual blockage such as a cataract, droopy eyelid, or corneal scarring