For an early recovery, the Ophthalmologist or Optometrist will cover the eye with good vision with a patch and will prescribe the necessary correctives. Monitoring in these cases must be extreme and careful, trying to adapt the treatment to the needs of each moment. In children, recovery is faster if they are subjected to an early stimulation program. They should be monitored periodically and as frequently as needed, until the age of twelve. The collaboration of their parents is crucial since a large part of the success depends on their dedication.
During the treatment, it may occur that the child turns one eye or the other independently, and that the visual acuity of the healthy eye, when covered, may decrease; but it is not a concerning sign, because either of these situations is easily solvable.
Early diagnosis is always the best option, and in its detection, the following should participate: parents, teachers, pediatricians, optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmologists, pediatric ophthalmologists, and strabologists.
Treatment should begin as soon as possible, preferably before the age of 4. The specialist, normally a trained optometrist and/or ophthalmologist, must very precisely correct any refractive error using age-appropriate glasses.
The correct use of orthoptic patches should only be done by a trained specialist, as each patient must undergo strict control and a personalized schedule with periodic visits to the specialist doctor. The improper use of orthoptic patches could result in a very valuable loss of time and even amblyopia in the non-amblyopic eye.
Visual therapy does not replace orthoptic management but can assist at a given moment in the comprehensive management of the patient.
Treatment should not be abandoned before the age of 10 due to the risk of regression.