Best treatment for astigmatism with amblyopia

My 6y/o daughter was just diagnosed with severe astigmatism with amblyopia.  I understand the physiology of disorders, however, the doctor confused me regarding the treatment.  She initially said the d/t my daughter's young age her vision would most likely be corrected with the use of glasses.  Then when I asked how long children usually have to wear glasses for correction she told me that my daughter will always have to wear glasses for the rest of her life.  So my question is, will wearing the glasses actually improve the vision in her bad eye or is the only thing that will be "corrected" the amblyopia in which case she will still have poor vision in the bad eye?  Also, I was concerned that the possibility of using a patch is being overlooked.  The doctor mentioned patch use as kind of a back-up if the glasses don't work.  Is patching only used when glasses fail to correct the problem, or would it be better to use it in conjuction with glasses?  My last question is regarding the glasses.  Why would she have to wear glasses with prescription in both lenses when her vision in good eye is perfect?  Wouldn't having prescription in good eye lense cause that eye to become weaker?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear toyshop,

I would recommend that your daughter be followed by the pediatric eyeMD.  It is important for the amblyopia to be treated and for your daughter to begin to use her weak eye. Treating with glasses, patching and sometimes, eyedrops and bifocals may be needed.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California