Types of eyepatches
There are a variety of eyepatches to choose from. Adhesive-backed patches are usually the best option. These are essentially like a large band-aid that fits over the eye. Because they adhere in place, it is more difficult for children to remove the eyepatches or to see around them. Adhesive patches should always be worn underneath eyeglasses and should never be adhered to the glasses themselves.
If your child wears glasses, cloth patches are another option: These fit over the lens of your child’s glasses. A cloth patch will only work if your child wears glasses that fit snugly.
How can I encourage my child to wear their eyepatch?
Purchasing patches that are decorated with eye-catching designs and popular characters can help encourage your child to wear them. You may also want to distract your child with a reward they’ll enjoy, such as allowing them to watch a favorite TV show or video game to help keep their mind off the patch. As your child adjusts to their eyepatch, it is important to monitor them to ensure they do not remove it when you are not looking. You could also consider creating a patching calendar: Simply purchase or create a calendar and encourage your child to decorate it with a sticker each day that they wear their eyepatch. When they successfully complete their calendar, reward them with a prize.
Wouldn’t it just be easier to postpone patching until my child is older and able to understand why it is necessary to wear a patch?
It’s only possible to improve vision with patching therapy when your child is very young. By age 8 or 9, their visual system is mature and is unlikely that patching will be effective in treating their amblyopia. So despite the fact that your toddler can not understand why the vision in his better seeing eye has disappeared by covering it with a patch, the visual benefits to be gained in the long-term by eliminating amblyopia at a young age are ultimately worth the aggravation!
What are the ways we can make it more comfortable to take the patch off?
Having your child make it through prescribed patch time is a great milestone! Once it comes time for removal, some children panic that it will hurt. Taking proper steps for removal can make a huge difference. One trick is to rub Milk of Magnesia liquid on the skin to be covered by the patch. Let the liquid dry and then apply the patch.
I’ve tried everything and my child will not wear the patch as recommended…
Another option is sometimes to put a “filter” over the lens of the better-seeing eye, which does not totally block vision but blurs it enough to achieve the goal of improving the other eye. Finally, atropine eye drops may sometimes be used. Your doctor and you will discuss the best option for your child if such a treatment is needed.
