How to perform occlusion therapy for amblyopic patients
Nov 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
The main methods of occlusion therapy for amblyopia patients generally include selecting an appropriate occlusion method, controlling the daily duration of occlusion, regularly adjusting the occlusion regimen, combining fine visual tasks, and ensuring proper eye care and monitoring. The choice of occluding material depends on the patient's age and severity of amblyopia; in children, specialized adhesive eye patches are commonly applied over the outer side of the healthy eye to prevent light entry.
The main methods for occlusion therapy in amblyopia patients generally include selecting an appropriate occlusion method, controlling daily occlusion duration, regularly adjusting the occlusion regimen, combining fine visual training, and performing proper eye care and monitoring. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Selecting an appropriate occlusion method: Choose occlusion devices based on the patient's age and severity of amblyopia. Children are typically fitted with special adhesive eye patches applied over the healthy eye to prevent light entry; older patients may wear occlusion glasses, ensuring complete coverage of the healthy eye to force active use of the amblyopic eye and strengthen visual function.
2. Controlling daily occlusion duration: Patients with mild amblyopia usually require 2–4 hours of occlusion per day, while those with moderate amblyopia may need 4–6 hours. Severe cases might require full-day occlusion (except during sleep). The duration should be dynamically adjusted according to the patient’s visual improvement to avoid suboptimal outcomes due to excessively long or short occlusion periods.
3. Regularly adjusting the occlusion regimen: Reassess visual acuity every 1–2 months. If significant improvement is observed in the amblyopic eye, the occlusion time can be reduced accordingly. If vision plateaus, investigate potential causes such as incomplete occlusion or other ocular issues, and adjust the treatment plan promptly—additional supportive therapies may be necessary.
4. Combining fine visual training: During occlusion, guide patients in engaging in precise visual tasks such as bead threading, drawing, or needle threading. These activities enhance the amblyopic eye’s ability to perceive fine details, promote visual neural development, and work synergistically with occlusion therapy to accelerate visual recovery.
5. Performing eye care and monitoring: Regularly monitor visual acuity in the healthy eye during treatment to prevent vision deterioration caused by prolonged occlusion. Keep the occlusion device clean to avoid skin allergies or infections. If discomfort occurs, discontinue occlusion immediately and consult a physician.
Prior to initiating occlusion therapy, a doctor must evaluate the type and severity of amblyopia. During treatment, caregivers should supervise the patient to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized adjustments to the regimen. If no visual improvement is observed after six months of treatment, prompt re-evaluation is necessary to determine whether alternative therapies are needed, ensuring that treatment remains scientifically sound and effective.
