To correct amblyopia, the child needs to be encouraged to use the lazy eye. This is usually done by patching the good eye, often for several hours a day.
Patching therapy may take months or even years, and is often more effective when it is started at a younger age. The basis of patching is to allow the lazy eye to be used more often that the other eye so that the lazy eye gets a chance to develop normal vision. If spectacles are required, the child must wear it at all times.
Illustration: Child patch
When amblyopia is detected too late (beyond 8 years old), it may not be possible to reverse the visual impairment. It is therefore important that you have your child’s eyes checked if you suspect a visual problem or are advised by the school health service to consult an ophthalmologist.
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