Episode 16: Cathy Stern, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, FCSO

Dynamic Duo Podcast

After Dr. Edwards and Dr. Stull came across Cathy Stern’s blog post, they invited her to speak about her stand on patching. Cathy talks about her experience with it, the negative effects, and other alternatives to patching.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Patching is mostly prescribed with patients diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye) in hopes to fine tune the vision in the poor eye. It is also commonly prescribed to patients who have a brain injury such as concussion, stroke, or accident to eliminate the double vision.
• Patching eliminates peripheral information on that side and does allow the eyes to be working together. For cases like amblyopia, it may make school-work harder if the lazy eye is very weak.
• In extreme cases, patches have been stitched to the forehead or devices have been put on a patient’s arm so they can not physically take it off.
• Instead of completely patching and blocking the eye, using techniques that slightly block or lessen the ability of the “good” eye are more effective and appealing.
• If a patient decides to patch, it is recommended for only two hours and to engage his/her vision by doing eye- hand coordination and have a visual incentive.

Sutured Occluder for Amblyopia

Psychosocial Impacts of Occlusion Therapy

Elbow Splinting to Increase Patching Compliance

BLOG: Let’s get rid of the pirate patch

Archives of Ophthalmology- Patching 2003

Tetris Study

https://noravisionrehab.org/

https://www.covd.org/?

Comments, suggestions or if there is a guest you would like to hear on the show, let us know by email: [e-mail]