Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

What is the potential visual outcome of untreated strabismus?

1. None

2. Improved depth perception

3. Loss of binocular vision

4. Enhanced color sensitivity

The correct answer is: Loss of binocular vision

Untreated strabismus can lead to the loss of binocular vision, which is the ability to use both eyes together to perceive depth and a single cohesive image. When the eyes are misaligned and not properly coordinated, the brain may begin to ignore input from one of the eyes to avoid seeing double, which can result in amblyopia or "lazy eye." Over time, this lack of coordination and reliance on only one eye can significantly impair the ability to judge distances and depth accurately. The other options do not reflect the consequences of untreated strabismus. For instance, "None" suggests that there would be no visual impact, which contradicts the well-documented issues arising from the condition. "Improved depth perception" clearly conflicts with the fact that untreated strabismus typically causes a decline in depth perception due to the brain's inability to fuse the images from both eyes effectively. "Enhanced color sensitivity" is also not relevant, as strabismus primarily affects the alignment and coordination of eye movements rather than color vision. Thus, the potential visual outcome of untreated strabismus is indeed a loss of binocular vision, making that choice the most accurate.