What is the term for the condition characterized by the loss of vision without any apparent disease to the eye?

The term for the condition characterized by the loss of vision without any apparent disease to the eye is amblyopia. Amblyopia, often referred to as "lazy eye," typically occurs when there is a disruption in the normal visual development of one or both eyes, leading to reduced vision despite the absence of any detectable structural or pathological abnormalities in the eye itself. This condition often develops during childhood and can result from issues such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), high refractive errors, or other factors that prevent the brain from receiving clear images from one or both eyes.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are associated with identifiable ocular diseases or conditions. Macular degeneration involves degeneration of the central part of the retina, leading to vision loss, especially in older adults. Cataracts refer to the clouding of the lens in the eye, which can impair vision. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to significant vision loss due to damage. Thus, these conditions are associated with identifiable changes or diseases of the eye, unlike amblyopia, which is defined by vision loss without such identifiable causes.