Medically known as amblyopia, lazy eye is the term used to describe a condition in which a weakened eye tends to wander inward & outward as a result of the brain favoring the stronger eye and possibly ignoring the signals received from the weaker eye.

Lazy eye is fairly common and is the leading cause of decreased vision among children. The National Eye Institute reports an estimated 2-3% of children are affected.

Lazy eye is typically detected during childhood. Often, conservative treatments such as corrective eyewear or eye patches can correct lazy eye. In some cases, lazy eye requires surgical treatment. Left untreated, lazy eye may lead to permanent vision impairment.

Lazy eye is characterized by an eye that wanders inward or outward. The eyes may not appear to be working synergistically.

While lazy eye is most common in just one eye, both eyes can be affected as well.

Anything that blurs a child's vision or causes the eyes to cross may cause lazy eye.

The most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning of the eyes known as strabismus. This imbalance can cause the eyes to cross in or turn out and prevent the eyes from tracking with each other.

In some cases, an anatomic or structural abnormality, such as an abnormal central retina or a cloudy area in the lens of the eye (cataract) can cause lazy eye.

In other cases, contributing factors can be an abnormal eye shape or a size difference between the eyes.

Occasionally, a wandering eye is the first sign of an eye tumor.

The supplements listed below may beneficial in treating & preventing lazy eye:

Vitamin A (15,000 IU daily) - Important for strong healthy eyes.

Beta-carotene (take as directed on label) - A form of pre-vitamin A, which is readily converted to vitamin A in the body.

Retinal (take as directed on label) - Is used in the body for regulating the development of various tissues, such as the cells of the skin, eyes, and the lining of the lungs and intestines.

Zinc (50 mg daily) - Deficiency may reduce the activity of retinol dehydrogenase, an enzyme needed to help vitamin A work in the eye.

Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) - Improves vision in people with vision problems.

Selenium (200 mcg daily) - An antioxidant and trace mineral that supports eye health.

B Vitamins and Folic Acid (take as directed on label) - Deficiencies can lead to blindness.

Digestive Enzymes (take as directed on label) - Important because deficiencies may impair the absorption of needed minerals such as vitamin A, zinc and copper for retinal health.

Multi-mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Replenish mineral balance.

Bilberry - Enhances night vision and may also slow the progression of eye problems.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.