An eye patch serves as a temporary protective barrier for an injured eye, shielding it from external contaminants, movement, and accidental contact while specialized medical help is being sought. The immediate purpose of this covering is to prevent further damage to the delicate structures of the eye. Making a temporary patch is a first-aid action designed only to stabilize the injury and should never be considered a substitute for prompt professional medical evaluation from a physician or ophthalmologist.
Immediate Safety and Medical Context
Understanding the type of injury is important because applying a patch can be detrimental in specific situations. If the eye has sustained a chemical burn, the priority is to flush the eye with clean, lukewarm water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes before considering any covering. Applying a patch prematurely can trap the corrosive substance against the eye’s surface, leading to extensive tissue damage and potential vision loss.
Any injury involving a penetrating object, such as glass or metal embedded in the eye, must not have direct pressure applied to it. In such severe cases, the goal shifts from creating a simple patch to constructing a rigid shield that completely domes over the injury without touching the eyeball. Attempting to remove the foreign object or applying pressure can cause internal structures to prolapse through the wound, intensifying the trauma. In these high-risk scenarios, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately before any patching or shielding is attempted.
Gathering Materials and Preparation
Materials for a temporary eye patch should prioritize cleanliness and the ability to create a non-compressive structure. For padding against the closed eyelid, use a sterile gauze pad or, if unavailable, a clean piece of cloth or paper towel. The padding should be thick enough to fill the space between the orbital rim and the eyelid without directly pressing on the globe.
To construct the protective shield, especially for severe injuries, use an item that can be cut into a rigid dome shape. A small paper cup, the bottom of a disposable plastic cup, or a piece of stiff cardboard can be used. The most effective securing material is medical-grade adhesive tape, such as paper or cloth tape, which adheres well to the skin while minimizing irritation. Ensure all materials are clean to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria.
Step-by-Step Guide to Constructing the Patch
Begin by preparing the protective shield, which prevents external forces from pressing onto the injured eye. Trim the paper cup or cardboard to a size that comfortably covers the entire bony orbital socket. Ensure the shield is deep enough to clear the highest point of the closed eyelid and that the edges are smoothed to prevent scratching the skin.
Next, fashion the sterile padding, if needed for minor injuries or to support the rigid shield. Fold the clean gauze or cloth into a shape large enough to cover the closed eye but small enough to fit within the dome of the rigid shield. The padding’s function is to keep the eyelid closed and provide a soft cushion, without applying pressure to the eye.
If utilizing a rigid shield for a penetrating injury, the padding is placed around the base of the shield, above and below the eye, to ensure the shield stands proud of the orbital rim. The goal is to create a secure, tent-like structure over the eye.
Proper Application and Securing the Patch
Before applying the patch, instruct the person to gently close their eye, avoiding forceful squeezing. The patch or rigid shield must be positioned so that it rests entirely on the surrounding bone structure, specifically the brow bone above and the cheekbone below. This positioning ensures that no inward pressure is transmitted to the eyeball.
To secure the patch or shield, use strips of medical tape approximately three-quarters of an inch wide. Place the first strip diagonally from the forehead on the side of the injured eye across the patch and down toward the opposite cheek. Subsequent strips should overlap the previous one by about half its width and follow a similar diagonal path, completely sealing the edges of the patch or shield.
This crisscross taping pattern effectively immobilizes the patch and prevents slippage. In some cases of severe trauma, medical professionals may advise covering the uninjured eye as well; this bilateral patching is done to prevent the injured eye from moving sympathetically with the unpatched eye, which could further damage the wound. Once secured, the person should be transported to a medical facility immediately for comprehensive care.