The eye shield is a rigid, protective dome designed to cover the eye without touching it, commonly used following surgery or trauma. Its primary function is to create a physical barrier that prevents accidental pressure, rubbing, or impact, protecting the vulnerable eye. Correctly applying the eye shield with medical tape requires attention to detail to ensure the compromised eye remains fully protected.
Preparation and Necessary Supplies
Proper application begins with gathering the correct materials and preparing the skin and shield. A rigid eye shield, often clear plastic, maintains a space between the eye and the outside environment. The shield should be cleaned with mild soap and water and dried thoroughly before use. Paper or silk medical tape is recommended because it offers sufficient adhesion while being gentler on facial skin. Choosing a width like one inch provides good coverage without excessive bulk.
Skin preparation is important for a secure fit, as the tape will not adhere well to oily or damp surfaces. The forehead, temple, and cheek areas where the tape will anchor must be clean and completely dry, free of makeup, lotions, or sweat. Pre-cutting tape strips to a manageable length, approximately four to six inches, streamlines the application process and minimizes the chances of the shield shifting during placement.
Step-by-Step Taping Technique
The goal of the taping technique is to anchor the rigid shield securely to the bony structures of the face, avoiding direct pressure on the eye socket. The concave side of the shield must always face away from the eye. The edges should rest on the bony orbit—the eyebrow ridge and the cheekbone—not on the soft tissue around the eye. This positioning ensures the shield acts as a protective dome, preventing contact with the healing eye.
The most effective method uses three anchor points, creating a stable, non-shifting hold. The first strip of tape secures the top edge of the shield, running diagonally from the forehead across the upper part of the shield. The second strip anchors the bottom edge, applied diagonally from the cheekbone area across the lower portion. These two diagonal strips create tension that pulls the shield outward and keeps it flush against the bony contours.
A third strip is applied horizontally or slightly diagonally across the bridge of the nose or the temple to act as a reinforcement. This final piece prevents rotation or lateral movement, ensuring the shield remains centered over the eye. Press the tape firmly onto the skin and the shield without bending the shield inward, which would negate its protective function by pressing toward the eye.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Safety Checks
Once the shield is taped in place, a few simple checks confirm correct application and safety. The shield should not move or wobble when the patient gently moves their head, indicating secure adhesion to the facial bones. The patient should not feel the shield pressing into the eye or surrounding soft tissue. Any discomfort should prompt immediate repositioning and re-taping.
Ensure that the patient’s vision (if the shield is clear) is not obscured by the tape and that there is sufficient air circulation around the eye. If the tape causes redness, itching, or skin irritation, switching to a different type of medical tape, such as hypoallergenic paper or silicone tape, may alleviate the reaction. The shield must be worn as directed by the physician, often mandatory during sleep to prevent inadvertent rubbing or bumping. Any sudden increase in pain, vision changes, or repeated failure of the shield to stay in place warrants an immediate call to the doctor to address the issue or adjust the protection protocol.