A Supplement for Amblyopia?

The most common treatment for amblyopia is an eye patch. The better-seeing eye is covered, forcing the "lazy" one to work, thereby strengthening its vision. Alternatively, the better-seeing eye may be treated with atropine eyedrops to blur its vision, but this approach does not usually achieve success as quickly as patching the eye. To avoid permanent loss of sight in the "lazy" eye, treatment usually must begin by age 10.

Two scientific studies confirm the usefulness of CDP-choline as an aid to conventional treatment of amblyopia. Also known by its scientific name cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine, this chemical is a major component of cell membranes throughout the body, helping them to maintain both form and function.

An Italian study found that children aged 5-9 who were given 500 milligrams of CDP-choline every day for 10 days at the beginning of therapy began to have improved vision in 10 days, while children who only wore an eye patch began to have improved vision after 1 month. CDP-choline is not a substitute for the use eye patches, but even children whose eyes are not patched will experience temporary improvement in vision if they receive the supplement.

CDP-choline is chemically similar to soy lecithin. Children who are allergic to soy may be allergic to some CDP-choline products. Taking too much of this supplement will cause gas and diarrhea.

What about adults with amblyopia?

Adult-onset amblyopia may be caused by brain injury, but is even more frequently a side effect of prescription medications. In the United States, nearly everyone who has had a heart attack is prescribed the diuretic Lasix (furosemide). This diuretic depletes magnesium and B vitamins, and sometimes people who take Lasix and develop double vision recover normal vision just by taking a complete B vitamin capsule and 300 mg of magnesium a day for as little as a week.

People who drink and smoke heavily may suffer caused by damage to the retina. In one case, normal vision return after just one week's abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. Scientists believe alcohol and tobacco together cause amblyopia by depleting the eye's supply of the essential fatty acid DHA.

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And from a commenter (html not coming through in the comments section):

There is a specialty within the eye doctor community who focus on vision therapy. These eye doctors are called "Behavioral Optometrists". The national organization is called the "Optometric Extension Program" and their website is Optometric Extension Program.

As mentioned in the article above, nutrition and diet can play in essential role in preventing eye disease and maintaining healthy vision.

Some of the essential nutrients include: omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), vitamin C, grapeseed extract, taurine, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid and bilberry, vitamins A, E, C, and zinc.


For more information on nutrition and vision, go to Natural Eye Care.