Amblyopia: Wearing an Eye Patch

Key Points

Amblyopia is a vision problem that occurs in a child when one eye is not used enough for the visual system in the brain to develop properly. This leads to poor vision in the affected eye.

• Treatment corrects amblyopia by training the brain to use the eye that has weaker vision. This allows vision to develop normally in that eye.
• Covering the stronger eye with a patch is the most common method of treating amblyopia.
• To be effective, an eye patch must be worn as directed by your doctor.
• By providing support and reassurance, you can help your child comply with the patching treatment so that he or she can develop the best vision possible.

Amblyopia is usually treated by an ophthalmologist.

 What an eye patch does for amblyopia

 Why it is important to follow the doctor's instructions closely

 How you can help your child wear an eye patch for amblyopia

 Where to go from here

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