What can be used as therapy for children with “lazy eye” to strengthen the weaker eye?

Patching is an effective therapy for children diagnosed with "lazy eye," or amblyopia, as it works by covering the stronger eye. This forces the child to use the weaker eye, helping to develop and strengthen the vision in that eye. The goal of this treatment is to improve visual acuity and brain function related to vision, as the brain often favors the stronger eye, leading to underdevelopment in the weaker eye.

Patching therapy is typically combined with regular eye examinations to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Although other options such as eye drops, surgery, or lens correction can play a role in treating underlying issues causing lazy eye (like strabismus or refractive errors), patching directly addresses the need to stimulate the weaker eye specifically.