Eyepatch

An eye patch is a tool that is used for temporary or permanent coverage of an eye. It consists of an oval, approximately egg-sized, slightly domed shell that is placed over the eye and usually secured with an elastic band behind your head. The shell is made depending on the field of plastic, felt or leather, but may also consist of other materials, and for example be provided with an internal padding. In addition, there are models which can be attached to eyeglasses.

History

Before the advent of modern medicine, eye patches were everywhere. Especially high-risk occupations such as blacksmiths she often wore. With the improvement of medicine and the advent of prosthetic (glass eye) and goggles, the eye patch but was becoming increasingly rare.

Today's application

Cosmetic application

The cosmetic application, the eye patch is used to cover a blemish. Often it involves a blind or absent eye. By far the most common application find eye patches as part of a disguise during the Carnival.

Medical Application

In children, an eye patch is sometimes used to treat the functional vision, one eye ( amblyopia ). Sometimes it is used can be improved compliance, but more often an eye- patch is preferred because of better therapeutic effect. Even with occasional double vision, an eye patch represent an effective tool.

Some ophthalmologists use the eye patch and in the field of investigation. The investigation is carried out on the single eye, the other eye is covered with the eyepatch.

Not suitable is the eye patch to immobilize the eye. Nor do they provides improved wetting of the eye - for example, in Lagophthalmos - because it does not close watertight. Even after eye surgery is the eyepatch no suitable protection because they too easily pushes the still unhealed surgical wound because of their small size when slipping. In these cases, eye dressings are applied.

Other application

Eye patches are used by shooters to completely turn a blind eye and to be able to target more easily.