What condition is characterized by poor vision in one or both eyes despite proper optical correction?

Amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," is characterized by decreased vision in one or both eyes that occurs despite the presence of a normal optical correction, such as glasses or contact lenses. This condition typically arises during childhood when the brain and eyes are still developing. It results from the brain favoring one eye over the other, leading to poor visual development in the less favored eye.

In contrast, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and open-angle glaucoma are conditions that can lead to visual impairment but do not fit the specific definition of having poor vision that isn't improved with appropriate optical correction. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision that may improve with surgical intervention. Age-related macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, impacting sharp, central vision, and open-angle glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss typically diagnosed through eye exams. Each of these conditions can be managed or treated in varying degrees, but they do not share the same defining characteristic as amblyopia, where vision remains inadequate despite correction.