Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

Which term describes loss of vision due to a lack of visual stimulation during childhood?

1. Myopia

2. Amblyopia

3. Cataract

4. Asthenopia

The correct answer is: Amblyopia

The term that describes loss of vision due to a lack of visual stimulation during childhood is amblyopia. This condition, often referred to as "lazy eye," occurs when one eye does not develop proper vision during early childhood, often because it is not being used adequately. This lack of stimulation can result from various factors such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) or significant differences in the prescription between the two eyes. Under normal circumstances, both eyes send visual signals to the brain, which learns to process those inputs. When one eye is underutilized, the brain begins to ignore signals from that eye, leading to reduced visual acuity in that eye. This is why early intervention and treatment, such as corrective lenses or patching the stronger eye, are crucial to improve vision outcomes for individuals with amblyopia. Myopia refers to nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry, cataract involves clouding of the lens leading to visual impairment due to aging or other factors, and asthenopia describes eye strain or discomfort typically associated with prolonged use of digital devices. These terms do not pertain directly to the loss of vision specifically due to lack of visual stimulation during childhood.