Watch Glass Dressing: Applications & Health Benefits

A watch glass dressing is a special dressing for the eye. It is used for infections and after surgery. Unlike other eye dressings, a watch glass dressing retains at least partial vision.

What is a watch glass bandage?

A watch glass dressing is a special dressing for the eye. The watch glass bandage consists of a sturdy, clear Plexiglas cap and a bandage made of adhesive tape. Its name is derived from the Plexiglas cap, whose slight curvature is reminiscent of a watch glass. The dressing completely covers the eye, protecting it from both external impact and dehydration. The Plexiglas cap makes it possible to detect changes in the eye without having to remove the dressing. In addition, with a watch glass dressing, the patient can continue to see even if vision is somewhat limited.

Shapes, types, and styles

The main component of the watch glass bandage is a form-stable protective cap made of clear Plexiglas. It is round and slightly curved. Its shape is reminiscent of the cover glass of a pocket watch. On the edge of this break-proof Plexiglas cap there is a border made of self-adhesive plaster. This is also round. It often also has one or more notched tabs on two opposite sides. This allows the watch glass bandage to be adapted to the individual head shape and securely fastened. Watch glass dressings are available in different sizes. In addition, there are watch glass bandages that use hypoallergenic plasters for attachment instead of normal adhesive plasters. Individual manufacturers also offer watch glass dressings with oval plexiglass caps and extra-large patch surrounds. Watch glass dressings with opaque plexiglass are still available for coverage during the night and for light-sensitive patients.

Structure and mode of operation

A watch glass dressing is applied with the curvature of the inserted Plexiglas facing outward and attached to the face in an airtight manner using the self-adhesive patch edging. The structure of the watch glass dressing allows protection of the eye without completely limiting vision. The clear Plexiglas cap allows the patient to use the eye as usual. At the same time, there are only minor restrictions in the field of vision due to the curvature of the glass. The curved Plexiglas cap acts like a protective chamber for the eye. The patch, which is attached around the cap and can be stuck on airtight, not only ensures a secure hold, but also prevents the penetration of germs and foreign bodies. In addition, the natural moisture of the eye cannot escape. This prevents the cornea from drying out if, for example, the eye cannot be closed after an operation or due to an illness. Since the protective cap of the watch glass bandage is made of Plexiglas and therefore transparent, the bandage does not have to be removed to observe the progress of the healing process. The changes in the eye can also be seen through the plexiglass cap. Watch glass dressings are therefore also often used when regular pupil monitoring is necessary.

Medical and health benefits

A watch glass dressing is used for various diseases of the eye and after eye surgery. It is especially commonly used when the eyelid cannot be closed or can only be closed incompletely. This is especially the case with temporary or permanent paralysis of facial nerves. A malposition of the eyelid can also result in the eye not being able to close completely. Scars and a shortened eyelid can also affect eyelid closure. If the eyelid cannot be closed or can only be closed incompletely, the cornea may dry out. This is noticeable by a dry burning sensation and the feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. If the drying out is not prevented or treated, the cornea can become inflamed and as a result even an ulcer, the corneal ulcer, can form. Increased eyelid blinking to wet the cornea with tear fluid can cause further irritation to the eye. A watch glass dressing effectively prevents this discomfort and possible secondary diseases. Since the protective cap made of Plexiglas is firmly attached all around, no moisture can escape. Therefore, even if the eyelid is not closed or only insufficiently closed, the cornea remains moist. Germs or harmful substances cannot penetrate the permanently open eye with the airtight watch glass bandage.At the same time, the actual function of the eye, vision, is preserved. This means that restrictions in the quality of life can be avoided. A watch glass bandage is therefore also suitable for long-term use. This may be necessary, for example, in the case of sicca syndrome. In this disease, the eyelid closure functions as such, but the eyes dry out very easily due to a disturbance in the formation of tear fluid. In a severe course of sicca syndrome, in addition to burning and redness of the eyes, secondary diseases such as bacterial infections or corneal ulcers may also occur. In this case, a watch glass bandage has a preventive effect. This also applies if a still healthy eye is to be protected from infection with the help of a watch glass bandage. Watch glass bandages are used particularly frequently after operations due to ptosis, a drooping of the upper eyelid, or after strabismus operations. A watch glass dressing can also be used to cover the eye for a short time immediately after LASIK surgery.