What Is Lazy Eye?
Can Eye Patches Help?

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a correctable condition that can develop in young children. It normally affects just one eye, though it can affect both. If caught early, the outcome is generally good.

This condition can be reversed. However, if it isn't, then the condition can become permanent. Obviously, catching it early in a child is the best way of recovering. An eye patch can help.

The thing with amblyopia is that it's more to do with the brain than the eye. The brain turns off the visual images of this eye and chooses to register only the vision of the good eye.

Signs Of Amblyopia

If you notice your child squint, tilt the head to see an object, close an eye to see, or has headaches, your child may have this condition. Be aware of it and don't take chances.

Don't assume it's a strange habit that your child will grow out of. Now is the best time to act and help cure your child of this condition. If left untreated, the brain will eventually learn to ignore the vision in that eye, leading to blindness.

Known Treatments

There are several forms of treatment for amblyopia, including surgery and patching. Wearing an eye patch (over the good eye) forces the affected eye to work harder and allow the brain to register images.

Wearing a patch is an effective way to recover and gain proper vision in a child. This is why it's so important to catch this early. If you suspect it, check with your doctor.

Work closely with your doctor. A patch may have to be worn for several hours a day for weeks or months. Sometimes, it has to be worn all day. It all depends on each individual.

You can help your child accept an eye patch by making it into a fun time. Children love to wear our patches, which come in various colors and designs, and can be used alone or with an orthoptic patch directly on the eye. Be sure to consult with your eye doctor.

Research On Adults

Research has recently shown that it may be possible to treat amblyopia in adults using an eye patch as well. This goes against general thinking that after a certain age, it cannot be corrected. Though it's not conclusive, it does offer some hope. However, the subjects were young adults.

Lazy eye is not a condition that will get better on its own. Early treatment remains one of the best ways to deal with the condition. Wearing an eye patch is one of the most effective ways to correct the problem.

Let your child have fun in recovery. Use a patch from DrPatch!

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