Amblyopia, also called “lazy eye,” is an eye condition which develops in early childhood.  For a number of reasons, the images from one eye (or in rare cases, both eyes) will be “ignored” by the brain.  If this is left untreated, especially during the early vision development period in one’s life (until around age nine), these neurological pathways will become permanent, resulting in a lifetime of reduced vision.  Having one amblyopic eye also puts added strain on the dominant eye, in which case future eye disorders are more likely.

Macular degeneration affects cells in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision.  Central vision is essential for most basic tasks like reading, driving, recognizing people, etc.  Thus, although macular degeneration leaves peripheral vision un-impaired, it can be quite debilitating in its advanced state.