A lazy eye is a broad term used to describe an eye with decrease vision from childhood.   This is also another term for amblyopia.   A lazy eye can be cause by multiple conditions. The most common conditions that cause a lazy eye are strabismus (eye turn) or a high prescription.  Both conditions can be treated affectively as a child before the age of seven with glasses prescription, vision therapy, patching and/or eye muscle surgery.   If treated early one may not develop a lazy eye.

However, often even with treatment a child will suppress the eye and amblyopia will develop.  This condition will remain stable into adult years.  As an adult one will typically have a strong eye and a weak (amblyopic or lazy) eye.  There is limited treatment that can be done as an adult. 

If one has a lazy eye or amblyopia it is important to wear protective eyewear and polycarbonate lenses.  People with amblyopia have a higher chance of injuring their good eye.  Shatter proof lenses are a must at all times to protect the good eye.

If an adult with amblyopia or a lazy eye has children there is evidence that there is a genetic influence on the conditions that cause amblyopia.  It is important for the infant to get an eye examination early so affective treatment can be done if required to prevent a lazy (amblopic) eye.