What are potential consequences of untreated amblyopia?

Untreated amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye because the brain begins to ignore input from that eye, which can result in weaker retinal and neural pathways. If amblyopia is not corrected early in life, the visual development may not fully occur, leading to a long-lasting impact on vision. This is particularly concerning since the brain is more adaptable to changes during early childhood, and intervention at a young age often yields the best outcomes for restoring vision.

The other potential consequences outlined in the choices do not correctly reflect the clinical implications of untreated amblyopia. Instead of leading to increased depth perception or improved binocular vision, which typically require both eyes to be functioning effectively together, amblyopia can compromise these visual skills. Additionally, while slow reaction times in vision could potentially occur, the more significant and direct risk is the loss of vision in the affected eye, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.