Which term is used to describe a patching treatment for amblyopia?

The term "full-time patch" refers to a specific treatment approach for amblyopia, which is a condition often characterized by an imbalance in the visual pathways between the two eyes. A full-time patch is typically recommended for wear over the affected eye, with the goal of occluding its vision to promote the use of the weaker eye. This method encourages the brain to strengthen the connections with the underused eye, thereby improving visual function.

In the context of amblyopia treatment, patching is often prescribed on a full-time basis, especially in younger children, to maximize the potential for improvement. The idea is that by limiting the visual experience of the dominant eye, the weaker eye is forced to engage more actively, facilitating development.

Other patching approaches, such as partial time or intermittent patching, involve varying levels of occlusion and are often used based on individual cases or preferences. However, the full-time patch is most commonly associated with aggressive treatment of amblyopia, making it the most accurate term for the described treatment strategy. Preventive patching is not a standard term used in this context, as amblyopia treatment aims to correct an existing condition rather than prevent it.