Many kids experience a lazy eye. A lazy eye forms when the brain turns off or suppresses sight in one eye. Vision might be suppressed if a child isn't able to see as well with one eye because of issues with distance vision, and in some cases, astigmatism. Usually, patches are recommended in the treatment of a lazy eye. Our patients are instructed to wear their patch for several hours each day, and often the patients will need glasses as well. But how does wearing a patch actually work? Basically, employing the use of a patch trains your brain to better interact with the weaker eye, which, after some time, will strengthen it.
Many parents have trouble fitting their kids with eye patches, especially if they're quite young. Their more active eye is patched, which restricts their ability to see. It's a confusing notion- your child needs to wear the patch to improve their weaker eye, but can't happen successfully unless their strong eye is patched, which temporarily limits their sight. But fear not: there are several ways to help your son or daughter wear their patch. With preschoolers, use a sticker chart. There are lots of ready-to-wear patches sold in different fun designs. Make it fun by giving them the opportunity to choose a different patch each day and implement the reward chart with stickers With kids who are a little older, explain the mechanics of patching, and refer to it as a way to strengthen their eye.
Another method some parents have found success with is also placing an eye patch on their child's favorite doll or stuffed animal.
A successful outcome is dependent on your child's help and your ability to remain focused on the long-term goal of helping your child's vision.