Eye Patch

What is an Eye Patch

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

An eye patch may also be used to correct a vision problem. While wearing an eye patch, you must be sure not to scratch or press on your eye under the patch.

Why might I need an eye patch?

You may need to wear an eye patch if:

  • Your eye needs to heal after you have been injured or had eye surgery.
  • You need to strengthen the vision in one eye.

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

What are the different types of eye patches?

An eye patch can be:

  • A small cloth pad on a piece of elastic that you wear around your head.
  • A plastic lens that attaches to your eyeglasses.
  • An adhesive bandage. These have a sticky backing. You peel off the back covering before you lightly press the patch around your eye.
  • A sterile dressing. This is a patch of sterile gauze or another type of bandage (dressing). You keep it in place with first aid tape or a hard covering.

How do I wear any needed corrective eyeglasses with an eye patch?

  • Wear your corrective eyeglasses over the eye patch.
  • Do notwear a contact lens in the eye with the patch unless your health care provider says that you can. You can wear a contact lens in your other eye.

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

Ask your health care provider:

  • How long you should wear the eye patch.
  • When you should change or remove the patch.
  • What activities you should avoid.
  • Whether you need extra eye protection, such as a shield over your patch, to avoid pressure or moisture.

What are the risks of wearing an eye patch?

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

Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you. Be sure to ask if it is safe for you to drive while wearing an eye patch. Also, check whether driving with an eye patch is legal in your state.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have eye pain, swelling, or redness that is getting worse.
  • You have fluid or pus coming from your eye.
  • You continue to have vision problems, such as double vision, or you see floaters, flashes, or spiderwebs.
  • You develop new eye pain or headaches.

Summary

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