Squint Treatment - Patching

Patching improves vision, it does not treat the squint, although the unpatched eye will appear to be straight while the patch is worn. Sometimes when the patch is removed the squint may be temporarily more noticeable but later returns to the pre-patching position.

Your child may be given a patch to wear if he/she is less than 8 years old and if the vision in one eye is reduced because of the squint. This will mean regular visits to our orthoptic clinic.

The patch is made from non-irritating material to prevent rashes, and spectacles are worn over the patch.

How long should the patch be worn?

This varies according to the child's need and may be from less than 1 hour a day to all day. It is important that the child is involved in some near vision activity during patching, such as colouring, reading or schoolwork. It can be useful to negotiate this with your child's teacher(s). This will achieve maximum effect and help the child comply with patching because it distracts attention from the patch. Perseverance with patching is vital.

If your child has been diagnosed with a squint, it will be managed or treated by one or more of:

• Surgery
• Glasses

Go back to the Squint Treatment page.