Why patching?
An eye patch is an effective treatment for Amblyopia (lazy eye) and should be worn over the better seeing- eye for the amount of time prescribed by your orthoptist. You may have been given a fabric patch to be worn over glasses or sticky patches which are applied to the skin.
Some children take to wearing a patch very easily and enjoy the idea of playing a “pirate game”. With other children it is more difficult, particularly if the sight in the weaker eye is very poor. Try to maintain a positive attitude yourself throughout your child’s treatment and do discuss any problems with your orthoptist
The first week
- During the first week it is useful to establish a routine and find out what works for you and your child. Patching in the morning may be better when your child is less tired.
- Gradually build up the amount of time that the patch is worn. If the patch is to be worn for three hours every day, try 20 minutes on day one, and gradually increase by about 30 minutes each day.
- Spend as much time with your child as possible whilst they are wearing the patch, to both supervise and encourage them.
- Supervision of the patching can be time consuming if your child is constantly trying to peep or remove the patch. Ask for as much help as you can from family and friends.
- It is helpful to tell your child how long the patch will be worn for. For example until lunch, afternoon snack or teatime.
- If your child removes the patch, try to replace it without delay. Don’t worry if you use several sticky patches in one period. Ring the orthoptic department if your supply of sticky patches is running low on 0191 282 4434.
General tips
- It is important to explain the patching treatment to anyone who may be looking after your child (e.g. grandparents or child minder), so that they know which eye is to be patched and for how long. Leave some patches with them.
- If the patch is to be worn at school or nursery then speak to staff to gain their support. Leave some patches with staff in case a replacement is needed.
- Using a “star chart” can help younger children. Giving a sticker or small reward if the patch is worn for the prescribed amount of time is a good incentive.
- Praise your child frequently for keeping the patch on, and encourage friends and family to make your child feel “important” when the patch is being worn.
- Use distraction techniques in babies and young children to stop them removing the patch. It may be helpful to give them something to hold in each hand.
- If your child is constantly asking for the patch to be removed, try patching for half the prescribed time in the morning and the rest in the afternoon.
- Encouraging a younger child to put a patch on their teddy or favourite doll or dressing as a “pirate” may be helpful. Encourage brothers and sisters to join in with a black pirate patch.
- Keep your child well occupied. All of the following can be helpful: colouring books, tracing, dot-to-dot, drawing, reading, hidden pictures, word finds, Lego, jigsaws, dominoes, card games, board games, computer/ tablet/ mobile phone games,
X-box, Nintendo, Playstation, Wii.
- Help your child to make their own “Patching Box”. Use an old cardboard box (e.g. shoe box) and decorate it with wrapping paper or stickers. Keep their favourite toys or games inside and encourage them to play with these when their patch is worn.
My child is struggling to wear their eye patch
If you feel that you need some extra support in helping your child to wear their patch, please contact the orthoptic department and ask to speak with the nursery nurse. We can arrange a telephone consultation at a time which is convenient for you.
For further information
Contact details
Appointments Office
To change or cancel an appointment: 0191 282 4444.
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
Orthoptic Department:
To speak to an Orthoptist or Nursery Nurse about treatment: 0191 282 4434
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
For help, advice and information about NHS services. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02, e-mail northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk or text to 07815500015.
If you would like to find accessibility information for our hospitals, please visit https://www.accessable.co.uk
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
Specifically regarding treatment of amblyopia (lazy eye):
www.nhs.uk/conditions/lazy-eye/treatment/
