The visual deprivation syndrome.

The variety of experimental manipulations shown to induce amblyopia in young cats and monkeys is described. A brief monocular eye closure of only one week or an artificial strabismus of only two weeks produces profound long-lasting changes in the electrophysiology and anatomy of the visual system. A poor quality of visual experience, an image imbalance between the two eyes, or any spatial or temporal incompatibility can produce these symptoms of amblyopia.