My child does not want to wear his patch: do you have any tips and tricks?
As their vision develops, children can sometimes be diagnosed with amblyopia. This visual disorder is characterised by unequal binocular vision: the brain favours the development of visual acuity in one eye.
If this condition is detected, one of the corrective solutions often proposed is to apply a patch over the better eye. Thus, the brain will be forced to readapt the eye that has poor vision.
It is not uncommon for children to be resistant to wearing this eye patch for amblyopia. Milena, an orthoptist at the Jules Gonin Ophthalmic Hospital, gives you tips to help your child get used to this rehabilitation.
Lead by example for a better acceptance of the vision problem
There is no miracle solution to motivating a child to wear his patch. But setting an example by wearing it yourself can be a source of motivation. During the consultation, the ophthalmologist or orthoptist wears a patch, as well as the parent.
Another tip is to have your child’s favourite teddy bear wear a patch too. Thus, the child realises that he is not alone or different from others.
The importance of timing for the correction of visual problems
It is important to apply the amblyopia patch when the child is visually stimulated. For example, when watching TV, reading a book or playing a game.
The duration of treatment also has a role to play. Having the child wear the patch when he is busy with something else is a good way of diverting the child’s attention. This could be during mealtimes, for example, or during a walk outside when there are lots of things for your child to observe. This will help your child to forget he is wearing a patch.
The amblyopia patch: an ophthalmic corrective action to be taken seriously
The parents’ role is essential in their child’s acceptance of the patch. They must persevere to help him wear it.
At first, it can be difficult for children: they don’t necessarily see well out of the eye we are trying to stimulate. He does not necessarily understand the importance of this visual accessory. But as the amblyopia patch is worn, his eyesight will improve. This will motivate him and help him to accept the patch.
However, do not wait until the child understands the importance of this optical correction, because it will then be too late. From the outset, parents must persevere with the treatment of the visual defect in order to appreciate the benefits later on.
Frequent screening: the best way to avoid visual disorders in children
Amblyopia can have several causes:
- One of the eyelids may cover one eye and prevent good vision on this side.
- An eye may have corneal clouding or a cataract that prevents image formation on the retina.
- It can be the sign of a refractive disorder: myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism that makes vision blurred.
- Strabismus can also sometimes cause amblyopia, where the two eyes do not look in the same direction.
All these causes can be treated if they are detected early on, preventing more disabling visual problems later in life. Glasses, contact lenses or surgery will be considered depending on the nature of the problem. It is therefore important to make a timely appointment with your ophthalmologist for an eye examination if you have any queries.