Eye drops are better for amblyopia than patches, says study

Cycloplegic eye drops are as effective as eye patches for the treatment of amblyopia, or lazy eye, the most common cause of visual impairment in children and young adults, a new study claims (Archives of Ophthalmology 2002;120:268-78).

Amblyopia affects up to 3% of the population and results from visual neglect secondary to muscular and refractive differences between the two eyes. Ultimately these differences result in defective visual processing. It is usually treated by placing a patch over the good eye, effectively forcing the lazy eye to work harder and improve.

The greatest benefit from patches occurs when wearing one is begun in early childhood, preferably before …