What would happen if you cover one of your eyes with an eye patch for one year, then take the patch off?

Covering one eye with an eye patch for an extended period, such as one year, can have several effects, particularly in different contexts like children and adults, and depending on the underlying reason for the patching.

Children

For children, especially those being treated for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or unilateral congenital cataracts, patching is a common treatment to improve vision in the weaker eye. Here are some key points:

• Vision Improvement in the Weaker Eye: Patching the stronger eye forces the brain to rely more on the weaker eye, which can improve its vision over time. Studies have shown that extended patching, even up to several hours a day, can be effective in treating amblyopia without negatively impacting other aspects of child development24.
• Risk of Relapse: If the patching is stopped after a year, there is a risk of relapse, meaning the vision in the treated eye could worsen again. Regular follow-up exams are crucial to monitor vision and adjust treatment as necessary34.

Adults and General Effects

For adults or in general contexts:

• Binocular Rivalry and Visual Disturbances: Wearing an eye patch can lead to binocular rivalry suppression, where the patched eye can temporarily suppress vision in the uncovered eye. This effect is usually temporary and resolves once the patch is removed1.
• No Permanent Damage to the Dominant Eye: It is rare for an eye patch to cause permanent vision loss in the dominant eye. However, wearing a patch without medical supervision could delay diagnosis and treatment of underlying vision problems5.

Removal of the Patch

When the patch is removed after a year:

• Recovery of Normal Vision: In most cases, the uncovered eye should return to its normal state of vision once the patch is removed. However, if the patch was used to treat amblyopia or another condition, the treated eye may need continued monitoring to prevent relapse34.
• Temporary Adjustments: There might be a temporary adjustment period as the brain readjusts to using both eyes together, but this is generally not a cause for concern.

In summary, the effects of wearing an eye patch for a year and then removing it depend on the age of the individual and the reason for the patching. For children, it is crucial to follow medical guidelines to ensure the treated eye does not relapse. For adults, the risk of permanent damage is low, but proper medical supervision is still necessary.