Which condition is characterized by a reduction in vision resulting in loss of binocular vision?

Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is characterized by reduced vision in one eye that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. This condition arises during childhood and results from a lack of proper visual stimulation during critical periods of visual development. The brain tends to favor the stronger eye, leading to decreased visual acuity in the affected eye.

One of the key features of amblyopia is that it often results in the loss of binocular vision, which is the ability of both eyes to work together to create a single, cohesive image. This happens because the brain may suppress the visual input from the weaker eye, preventing both eyes from coordinating effectively. Consequently, the ability to perceive depth and spatial relationships can be diminished.

In contrast, strabismus refers to misalignment of the eyes, which can also affect binocular vision, but the underlying reduction in visual acuity occurs primarily due to misalignment rather than a failure to develop proper visual pathways. Diplopia, or double vision, occurs when both eyes are aligned but sending different images to the brain, causing confusion without the additional developmental issues seen with amblyopia. Cataracts affect clarity of the lens and do not specifically lead to the loss of binocular vision in the same manner as amb