CHOOSING AN EYE PATCH
The most important condition for successful vision therapy is that the eye must be COMPLETELY covered. The eye that needs to be covered should be opposite to the eye being trained. By putting an eye patch on the strong eye, the brain is forced to use the weak eye, thereby strengthening it.
Do you need an eye patch, but think it’s all a bit of a jungle? There are many different types of eye patch that can be used to treat an eye, but you should be aware of the pros and cons of each variant, to ensure you make the best choice and get the best results.
Adhesive eye patches are a special shape. It is best to choose an adhesive patch that has small slits to indicate where to place it on the bridge of the nose. This makes for easier adjustment in relation to the face.
Pros
An adhesive eye patch has the advantage that it sits completely tightly around the eye socket, and, as a result, is generally considered to be the most effective method of covering an eye for vision therapy treatment, since it makes it impossible for the child to cheat by taking a peek. They can be worn by all age groups and can even be worn with glasses.
Adhesive eye patches are often the preferred type recommended by eye doctors and orthoptists.
Cons
Some may find that during the start-up period in particular, they may be a little hard on the child’s skin. At times a fabric eye patch can be a good alternative to give the skin time to breathe. However, on the following page, we have put together a number of tips on what to do to alleviate any ‘Skin irritation’.
Furthermore, over time, it is a more expensive treatment course compared with fabric eye patches.
Find the right adhesive eye patch
What works for one child may not work for another, and vice versa. If you have a bad experience with one type of adhesive eye patch, then try another. In the start-up phase, when the child’s skin has to get used to the idea of wearing an eye patch, skin irritation can occur to some degree. So, when the skin has got used to wearing an eye patch, you may be able to go back to brands you have previously tried, if you want variety.
SELECTION: View our selection of ‘Adhesive eye patches’ here.
Fabric eye patches for glasses
For some, fabric eye patches may be a necessary alternative to wearing adhesive eye patches. Fabric eye patches are recommended in some situations by the eye doctor or orthoptist, if you have to give up wearing an adhesive patch, or are told to wear one as a periodic supplement, if the skin around the eye needs a rest.
The review below is based on eye patches from Kay Fun Patches, which sit on the inside of the glasses lens.
Pros
In the long run, they are less expensive and gentler against the skin compared with adhesive eye patches.
Fabric eye patches are supported by the glasses to maintain an optimal position and be tight to the skin. However, it’s necessary to check whether the eye patch fits correctly for the individual child before being used for vision therapy, since the shape of a person’s face can affect the fit.
Cons
There is a risk that the child may move the eye patch slightly, thus allowing light in/cheating, which will adversely affect the result of the vision therapy. This must be paid extra attention to when using fabric eye patches for glasses, so as to ensure an effective course of therapy.
Although fabric eye patches are available for babies, adhesive eye patches are still preferable. As a result, we recommend that you always seek advice and guidance from your eye doctor/orthoptist before choosing to move from adhesive eye patches to fabric eye patches.
SELECTION: View our selection of ‘Eye patches for glasses’ that can be used by children.
Fabric eye patches with elastic
Pirate-style eye patches, made using fabric with an elastic band to attach around the head, are for people who do not wear glasses. This type of patch is typically the least preferred.
Pros
The pros are few and far between when it comes to vision therapy using eye patches with elastic. Nevertheless, there may be certain eye disorders/injuries that are treated well using this type of eye patch as an alternative method to adhesive eye patches. It is IMPORTANT to consult your eye doctor/orthoptist before using an eye patch with elastic!
The pros of the patches with elastic, which you can buy at Vision4kids, are that they are not flat, but have a small built-in chamber for the eye, so there is more room for your eye lashes. This gives a better level of comfort.
Cons
Fabric eye patches with elastic are not effective, because usually they do not sit tight enough against the child’s eye socket to ensure all light is blocked out. Moreover, they are easy for children to move.
They are not approved for young children as there may be a risk of suffocation. Therefore, their sizes cannot be found for babies either.
SELECTION: View our selection of ‘Eye patches with elastic’ that can be used by children.
