The following are a compilation of Anchor Center for Blind Children Parent suggestions, Internet postings and expert resources on Eye Patching:

• Adhere and remove the patch in a darker room. This was less stressful for our child.
• Carry a younger child in a forward-facing Snugli and do lots of one on one hands busy time to help keep baby distracted enough to leave the patch alone.
• Coat the area where the patch adhesive will stick with milk of magnesia so there will be less irritation and the patch can be removed easily.
• Let your child patch his or her stuffed animals or dolls.
• Try different patch types such as 3M Opticlude.
• Place a double patch on the eye. When the top patch is pulled off, another remains.
• Keep a group of special toys or activities for play only when the patch is on.
• Wear a patch in preparation for your child's patching protocol and during the time the child was patched at home.
• Place the patch on the infant just before waking from sleep: it will minimize distress and make the result seem natural. (Patch time is meant for the waking hours.)
• Check out the Patching Club website at http://www.preventblindness.org/children/EyePatchClub.html

Each child is unique and your family's personal style in combination with a vision specialist's recommendations will help determine the best methods for managing patching.

Questions to ask your Doctor about Eye Patching

• What is the acuity of each eye separately? Right eye? Left eye?
• What is the acuity of both eyes together?
• Which eye should be patched?
• How long each day should my child be patched?
• Does it matter when my child is patched? If so, when should my child be patched?
• How will I know that the patching is working?
• When should my child come back to be re-evaluated?
• How will you monitor improvement? Will you repeat acuity testing at each visit to monitor?
• If patching is not improving my child's vision, when do we consider stopping the patching?
• If patching is not improving my child's vision, what other alternatives can we consider?
• What is the long-term patching plan?