Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a vision disorder that occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other in terms of visual input. This can lead to decreased vision in the weaker eye, as the brain fails to properly use the visual information coming from that eye. Amblyopia typically develops in early childhood and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a significant difference in prescription between the two eyes, strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), or a physical obstruction that blocks vision in one eye. Treatment for amblyopia often involves correcting any underlying vision problems, such as prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and using techniques to strengthen the weaker eye, such as patching or vision therapy. Early intervention is key in treating amblyopia, as the condition can become more difficult to treat as a child gets older. Research in amblyopia focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the condition, developing more effective treatments, and exploring ways to improve visual outcomes for individuals with amblyopia.