Eye patches are coverings placed over the eye for two primary reasons: vision correction (occlusion) or physical protection. The correct application method depends entirely on the patch’s purpose—whether the goal is to block vision completely or to shield the eye from external forces.
Understanding the Different Types of Eye Patches
The three main categories of eye coverings used for medical purposes are adhesive patches, fabric patches, and rigid shields. Adhesive patches function like a large bandage, sticking directly to the skin around the eye. They are frequently utilized for occlusion therapy because they are difficult to remove or reposition. Fabric patches are non-adhesive and designed to fit over a pair of glasses, covering the lens and the frame. This type is an alternative for those who experience skin irritation from adhesives or for children who already wear corrective lenses. Rigid shields, often made of plastic or aluminum, are dome-shaped to create a physical space between the eye and the shield. They are generally secured with medical tape or an elastic band.
Proper Application for Occlusion Therapy
Occlusion therapy, commonly used to treat amblyopia (“lazy eye”), requires the patch to completely block the vision of the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to work. A secure and precise application is necessary to prevent the patient from “peeking” around the edges.
For adhesive patches, the skin around the eye must be clean and dry before application to ensure the adhesive seals properly. The patch should be centered over the eye with the narrow end pointing toward the bridge of the nose. The patch must cover the entire eye socket and eyebrow, often requiring a slight fold to create a comfortable dome over the eyelashes. Once placed, the adhesive edge must be pressed firmly against the skin to eliminate gaps.
The fabric patch is fitted onto the side of the glasses corresponding to the stronger eye, covering the lens and extending past the frame. This patch must wrap snugly around the frame and fit close to the face. This prevents the child from shifting their gaze or lifting their head to see around the edge.
Proper Application for Protection and Healing
After surgical procedures (such as cataract surgery) or following an eye injury, a patch is used for physical protection. The goal is to shield the eye from external pressure, accidental bumping, and rubbing, especially during sleep. This protection is provided by a rigid eye shield, which has a dome or cup shape.
The shield is positioned carefully over the closed eye, ensuring the edges rest comfortably on the bony structures of the forehead and cheekbones, not on the soft tissue or the eye itself. Maintaining this space prevents accidental pressure from being transmitted to the healing eye. The shield is secured using medical paper tape, with strips placed vertically over the center and edges to hold it firmly in place.