How to Use an Eye Patch
Eye patches may be a necessary part of any pirate costume, but that doesn't mean they don't have practical uses as well. For those suffering from amblyopia (lazy eye), eye patches are used to cover the good eye. With the good eye covered, the lazy eye can gain strength and learn to function at full capacity. Patches also are used to protect eyes with scratched corneas and strained eyes, and to reduce double vision in those suffering from extraocular muscle palsy. This guide will take you through the basics of choosing an eye patch, wearing the eye patch, and preparing to adjust to the world in your new eye patch.
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Instructions
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Eye Patch Basics
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Decide what type of patch you or your child will wear. Patches on elastic bands can create discomfort around the head. Also, since elastic band patches move around more freely than adhesive patches, the elastic patch can rub against the eye, creating discomfort. Adhesive patches, on the other hand, will stay in place better but may cause irritation due to the direct adhesion. If you or your loved one has sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic patch. Other methods for preventing irritation include skin ointments and limiting the amount of adhesive material touches the skin.
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Read the patch's instructions and apply the patch to your eye accordingly. Practice simple everyday activities with the patch on. At first, patches can take awhile to get used to, especially with amblyopia, where the unpatched eye is the "lazy" one. Try reading, walking around and performing basic household activities. If the patch is used on a child, supervise your child for 15 minutes after he puts on the patch. It will take several minutes for the brain to adjust to relying on the lazy eye. Give your child time to adjust to the patch by giving him simple activities such as playing cards or coloring. Simple games that test coordination and perception are a good way to get acclimated to the patch. Don't try anything too challenging though; you don't want you or your child to get overly frustrated.
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Make sure the patch is secure on your eye before you go out. You do not want light to escape into the patch or not fully cover your eye. If you or your child can see out of the peripheries of the patch, it will defeat the purpose of wearing it in the first place.
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Prepare for interactions with the real world. If the patch is for your child, be very sensitive to her needs. Other kids probably will not understand why she must wear the patch. If you prepare your child with a plan for dealing with potential taunts, it will be much easier when she has to face her peers. For instance, have your child tell her classmates that she is a pirate. This will bring some levity to the situation.
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Adhere to your doctor's instructions. Depending on the severity of your condition, the time you or your child will have to wear the patch may vary. For amblyopia, children usually won't have to wear the patch all day. Make sure you or your child doesn't remove the patch at any unauthorized times. For your child, set a patch alarm that will tell you when the patch can be removed. The patch alarm will be a blessing. Try to make a game out of it and celebrate the moment the alarm goes off each day. Another idea is to draw an eye or another neat design right onto the patch. Then the patch becomes a fashion accessory!
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Tips & Warnings
Follow up with your doctor regularly to inform him of you or your child's progress. The length of time you or your child must wear the patch can shift depending on how quickly the condition heals.
If the vision in your unpatched eye decreases and becomes double, contact your doctor immediately.
