In lazy eye or amblyopia, we patch the good eye. The child is not able to see well from near or distance if the amblyopia is dense and hence does not like to be patched. Until the child becomes familiar and adjusts to the reduced vision after putting the patch or the vision starts to improve, the child refuses or we find it difficult to ensure the child wears the patch. The child should be supervised for everyday activities because the child may bump into things. Climbing stairs, riding a bike, and crossing a road should be done with care and with someone to guide the child. It is best to keep the child indoors to prevent any mishaps.

Children do not enjoy having to wear a patch over one eye. Poor cooperation with the patch is a major reason for the poor improvement of vision. The child needs a lot of support and encouragement throughout the treatment. Over time the patch becomes uncomfortable. The patch adhesive may cause irritation and allergy and incite the formation of rashes. One needs to be wary of this. One can use cloth patches on the spectacles or one can use Bangerter foils for the correction of the amblyopia which are thin films that can be stuck on the spectacle lenses.

If the treatment has been going on for some time, the child becomes bored with the treatment and wants to take the patch off earlier than the prescribed time. One must remember that encouragement and perseverance are important throughout the treatment.