Eye Patch for kids

Eye Patch for kids

An eye patch is a small pad that completely covers one eye. Your child may need to wear an eye patch for various reasons. An eye patch can be used to protect your child’s eye after surgery or an injury.

An eye patch may also be used to correct a vision problem. While your child is wearing an eye patch, it is important for him or her not to scratch or press on the eye under the patch.

Why might my child need an eye patch?

Your child may need to wear an eye patch for any of these reasons:

  • To allow your child’s eye to heal after an injury or eye surgery.
  • To strengthen the vision in one of your child’s eyes. This may be needed if the vision in one eye is weaker than the other.
  • To prevent your child from scratching or rubbing the eye.

An eye patch can also prevent infection or keep medicine or drops in your child’s eye.

What are the different types of eye patches?

An eye patch can be:

  • A small cloth pad on a piece of elastic that your child wears around his or her head.
  • An adhesive bandage. These have a sticky backing. You peel off the back covering before you lightly press the patch around your child’s eye.
  • A plastic lens that attaches to your child’s eyeglasses.

How should my child wear any needed corrective eyeglasses with an eye patch?

  • Have your child wear his or her corrective eyeglasses over the eye patch.
  • Do notlet your child wear a contact lens in the eye with the patch unless your child’s health care provider approves. Your child can wear a contact lens in the other eye.

What should I ask my child’s health care provider about wearing an eye patch?

Ask your child’s health care provider:

  • How long your child should wear the patch.
  • When the patch should be removed or changed.
  • What activities your child should avoid while wearing the patch.
  • Whether your child needs extra eye protection, such as a shield over the patch, to avoid pressure or moisture.

What are the risks of wearing an eye patch?

When wearing an eye patch, your child will use only one eye to see. Your child might not have accurate depth perception while using only one eye. This means that your child has a greater risk for falls or other injuries. Encourage your child to move slowly and carefully.

Ask your child’s health care provider what activities are safe for your child.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child has eye pain, swelling, or redness that is getting worse.
  • Your child has fluid or pus coming from the eye.
  • Your child continues to have vision problems, such as double vision, or sees floaters, flashes, or spiderwebs.
  • Your child develops new eye pain or headaches.

Summary

  • An eye patch can be used to protect your child’s eye after surgery or injury. It may also be used to correct a vision problem.
  • Your child can wear his or her corrective eyeglasses over the eye patch.
  • When wearing an eye patch, your child might not have accurate depth perception because he or she can see with only one eye. Encourage your child to move slowly and carefully.
  • Ask the health care provider what activities are safe for your child.
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