Eye patches are special patches that are used to treat eye injuries. In most cases, however, they are used as part of occlusion therapy.
What is an eye patch?
Some eye patches use a nonwoven or woven fabric that has the punched-out shape of an occlusion patch. In their center, they feature an absorbent pad. Eye patches can be used to treat injuries or diseases of the human eye. In most cases, they are opaque patches that are used as part of a special occlusion therapy. Occlusion treatment is understood as the targeted closure of an eye. Thus, the term occlusion comes from the Latin term occludere and translated means “closure”.
Forms, types and species
A distinction is made between different types of eye patches. These include occlusion patches, watch glass dressings, and sterile eye patches. Occlusion plasters have the property of not allowing light to pass through, which is certainly the case with watch glass dressings. An occlusion patch is used as part of amblyopia treatment. In amblyopia, there is a visual loss in one eye compared to the other eye. Smaller children are particularly affected. By covering the stronger eye with an occlusion patch, it is possible to force the weaker eye to see, so to speak. By using an eye patch that does not allow any light to pass through, the strong eye is completely excluded from seeing, forcing the weak eye to take over and train. However, the range also includes translucent variants that can be stuck over glasses. This is an adhesive film, also called Bangerter film, which is used for minor amblyopia where there is central fixation. Furthermore, the occlusion foils are suitable for follow-up treatment. The so-called watch glass bandage also belongs to the eye patches. This is a transparent cap made of Plexiglas, which surrounds a sticking plaster. This special bandage is usually applied in the case of eye problems such as incomplete or insufficient eyelid closure (lagophthalmos). Other indications are keratitis or eye surgery. In these cases, the special plaster protects the eye from mechanical irritation or dehydration. The name watch glass bandage is due to the slight curvature of the patch. Its effect corresponds to that of a moist chamber. The eye can be observed from the outside without the need to remove the bandage. In turn, the patient can see through the Plexiglas cap to a limited extent. Sometimes the special eye patch also serves to protect the healthy eye so that it does not become infected by the infected eye. Another variant are sterile eye patches. These are used after injuries or infections in one eye or after eye surgery. They have the property of protecting the eye and stimulating wound healing.
Structure and function
Composed of a viscose fabric backing that is transversely elastic, a mass of rubber filled with zinc oxide that serves as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and an opaque light-protective nonwoven fabric in three layers, eye patches used for occlusion are most commonly used. As a rule, the occlusion patch has good water and air permeability. However, light-tightness can only be achieved if the patch is carefully placed over the patient’s eye. Some eye patches use a fleece or fabric that has the punched-out shape of an occlusion patch. In their center, they feature an absorbent pad. This has an insert that allows more or less light to pass through. The backing material of eye plasters used to care for injuries to the eyes is made of non-woven fabric, cotton with viscose, plastic film or artificial silk. The fabric is either mostly impermeable to water and air or permeable to water and air. As with conventional plasters, the surface of the plaster is considered water repellent but not waterproof. Also in these plasters, the adhesive power is caused by a zinc oxide rubber compound. The adhesive power is strong, but this has the disadvantage that when the plaster is removed, residue is often left on the skin, which in turn can cause allergic reactions.To maintain the adhesive strength of the eye patches, they should be stored in the dark and dry.
Medical and health benefits
Eye patches have great significance in the treatment of injured or diseased eyes. For example, sterile patches have a protective effect on the eye and ensure optimal wound healing in the event of injury. Occlusive patches are of particular importance in the treatment of amblyopia. For this reason, ophthalmologists often prescribe eye patches for the treatment of amblyopia. In amblyopia, there is a defective processing of neuronal-cognitive vision in the brain, so that the affected eye unlearns to see, so to speak. With the help of the occlusion patch, which is applied to the healthy eye, the pressure is created for the weaker eye to see better. By working alone, the eye eventually acquires better vision. However, wearing an eye patch is not always easy for the affected children. Thus, their everyday vision is initially limited. In addition, occlusion therapy requires a great deal of patience. In the end, however, the vision of the affected eye improves significantly. To prevent the eye patch from peeling off, it is important to check its adhesion regularly. It is also important that the occlusion patch is well tolerated by the skin. Otherwise, there is a risk of skin irritation during prolonged use. Glasses can be worn during treatment without any problems. Eye patches are also used as part of an orthoptic differential diagnosis. For this purpose, an eye is closed with an eye patch for several days so that the squint angle can be determined after its removal. In this way, prismatic spectacle lenses can be easily adjusted. Another field of application of eye patches represents the therapy of constantly occurring double vision (diplopia).
