Patch therapy has traditionally been effective in treating childhood conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus by having the child wear it for a few hours daily. In adults, eye patching for a few days can be beneficial for protecting the eye after specific surgical procedures. However, using an eye patch as a self-treatment for issues like eye strain or to prevent double vision in one eye is not a long-term solution. This approach may not harm the vision in the dominant eye, but it could delay necessary medical treatment for underlying vision issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional care for such conditions.
Some Reasons Why Children and Adults Wear an Eye Patch
Individuals use eye patches for various purposes, with motivations ranging from cosmetic to therapeutic. The diverse reasons for covering one’s eye include:
- Addressing vision issues in children, like those stemming from conditions such as lazy eyes or crossed eyes,.
- Providing protection to the eye following cataract surgery.
- Preventing swelling subsequent to eye removal surgery.
- Shielding the eye after experiencing trauma to the eye or surrounding areas within the eye cavity.
- Enhancing physical appearance following eye removal or concealing disfiguring eye scars.
Does an eye patch affect the wearer’s vision?
For children, the prescription of eye patches is common in addressing specific eye conditions, typically aimed at enhancing vision in the non-dominant eye. In the case of adults, eye patches are frequently utilized for protective purposes, especially post-surgery.
While eye patches prove beneficial in various scenarios, there are situations where their application may not provide a complete solution. Ongoing research by eye specialists seeks more effective treatment approaches to strengthen both eyes simultaneously. Nonetheless, a considerable number of Americans have experienced positive outcomes from incorporating eye patches into their vision treatment.
Following an eye doctor’s prescription to wear an eye patch serves to safeguard the vision in the stronger eye and contribute to the improvement of the non-dominant eye. It is crucial, however, to collaborate with medical professionals, as self-treatment for symptoms that may require different interventions should be avoided.
Cases Where Eye Patches are used to Protect or Improve Vision
Consider these instances where the application of an eye patch proves beneficial in addressing vision issues:
Amblyopia
In the average person, both eyes collaborate to create a three-dimensional image in the brain by processing light through both pupils and focusing on both retinas. However, individuals with amblyopia experience a preference for one eye by the brain, causing the optic nerve in the less used eye to atrophy. Although both eyes may appear normal, especially in children, this atrophy can result in lazy eyes or strabismus. Amblyopia affects 2 to 3 out of every 100 children in the United States.
The primary treatment, particularly for younger children, involves a pediatric ophthalmologist prescribing an amblyopia eye patch for the dominant eye. This encourages the brain to utilize the other eye and strengthen it without weakening the dominant eye. If untreated in childhood, amblyopia can persist into adulthood, prompting ongoing research for treatments in older individuals. While it is uncommon for amblyopia patches to cause vision loss in the dominant eye during amblyopia treatment, regular follow-up eye exams with a pediatric ophthalmologist can help prevent potential issues.
Strabismus
Strabismus, commonly known as lazy eye, is a visual issue where one eye doesn’t align correctly with the other, pointing in a different direction than the dominant eye—either inward toward the nose (esotropia) or outward away from centrally aligned vision (exotropia). Approximately 4 percent of U.S. children have strabismus, which, if untreated, can lead to double vision, act as a symptom of amblyopia, or cause other vision problems.
Diagnosis requires the expertise of an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and early treatment often involves glasses to align the eyes or an eye patch for the lazy eye over the dominant eye to strengthen the muscles in the non-dominant eye, similar to amblyopia treatment. In cases of esotropia, surgical intervention may be necessary to properly align the eyes, with post-surgery eye patch use to further strengthen the eye.
Post-Surgery
While patch therapy is not typically used in adults for treating amblyopia or strabismus, it is commonly prescribed after various types of eye surgery to safeguard the eye for a day or two. Following procedures like LASIK, individuals may wear an eye patch at night to prevent inadvertent scratching or bumping of the healing cornea. Similarly, after surgery for macular pucker treatment, wearing an eye patch for a few days is advised to protect the eye during the recovery period.
Tips for Eye-Patching Your Child
Encouraging children to adhere to such a regimen can pose a challenge. Here are some valuable tips to assist your child in maintaining a disciplined patching schedule.
Eye Patching Schedule
Begin by determining the most suitable time or times for your child to wear the eye patch. Consider whether it’s more convenient during school hours, at home, in the morning, or in the evening. If necessary, you can divide the patch-wearing time to establish a more manageable routine. It’s essential to ensure that your child is awake during the designated patch-wearing periods for the treatment to be effective.
Set a Time
If your patch therapy involves having your child wear the eye patch for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, or consecutively for four hours after school, implement a timer system. This ensures clarity for everyone involved, signaling precisely when it’s time to remove the patch.
Make it Fun
Encourage your child to personalize their eye patch using paint, stamps, stickers, or any other creative materials. Adding a touch of fun and individuality to the patch’s design can make the wearing experience more enjoyable for your child.
Distract and Reward
Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the brain to transition to the non-patched eye, and engage your child with a toy or TV show to distract them during this period. Whenever feasible, plan enjoyable activities for them to participate in while wearing the eye patch, such as a trip to the playground or park, to make the experience more enjoyable.
Understand What Patch Therapy is About for Children and Adults
Take proactive steps toward safeguarding and enhancing your vision or that of your child. Explore the diverse benefits of eye patch therapy, whether for treating conditions like amblyopia and strabismus in children or protecting and aiding recovery after eye surgery in adults. Discover the significance of professional guidance in prescribing and utilizing eye patches, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with medical experts. Ensure a disciplined patching schedule for children with practical tips, including personalized designs and engaging distractions.