Is astigmatism the same as lazy eye?

Is astigmatism the same as lazy eye?

These two eye conditions are not the same, but they can go together. Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a different eye condition where vision in one eye is weaker than in the other. Unbalanced astigmatism — a difference between the two eyes — can cause lazy eye. In childhood, the brain develops a preference for the eye that provides a better image and neglects the other eye, causing vision to get worse in a sometimes permanent way. Unfortunately, lazy eye can occur without patients or their parents noticing. Amblyopia is treatable if caught early, so children should be checked often for vision problems — at least annually.