AMBLYOPIA (LAZY EYE )

What Is Patching?

Patching is a technique for treating amblyopia (lazy eye). The good eye is covered to encourage the development of the lazy eye. Amblyopia can be caused by unequal refractive errors, crossed eyes, misaligned eyes (strabismus), or other abnormalities.

To ensure that a child is given the best possible chance to develop normal vision, patching may be continued for a few months after vision stabilizes. Once vision has improved in the lazy eye there is a small chance that it can worsen again, and close monitoring is necessary throughout childhood. If the vision does not improve after a reasonable period of effective patching, your ophthalmologist may recommend that this treatment be discontinued.

When should ‘treatment Begin?

Patching should begin as early as possible. When first applying your child’s patch, explain the reason the patch is being used.  If the child attends school or pre-school , ideally do patching at home and not in school as , patching in school can be a cause of social concern to the child but if still in house patching is not possible then , explain the patching treatment and schedule to the child’s teacher. Enlist the teacher’s help in encouraging the child to perform his usual tasks, while making allowances for added difficulty. The teacher can also help explain the child’s situation to classmates.

How Long Will A Child Need to Wear the Patch?

This will vary with each individual child. As a general rule, the younger the age of the child and the shorter the time the eye has been lazy, the less time it will take for treatment. In young children vision may change rapidly. Occasionally, vision in the good (patched) eye may be decreased when the patch is removed, but will usually not.

Will Patching Correct Misaligned Eyes?

No. Usually patching improves vision in an amblyopic eye but does not change misalignment of the eyes. Once vision is good in each eye, your ophthalmologist can recommend treatment for realigning the eyes.

What Kind of Patch Should Be Used?

The patch should be comfortable, should remain firmly in place, and should not allow any peeking around the edges. Commercial patches come in “regular” and “junior” sizes and are available at most drug stores. Black eye patches with elastic or ties and occluders which clip onto glasses are not recommended as they may allow peeking. The patch should be attached directly to the skin around the eye for best results.