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How Do I Choose the Best Eye Bandage?
The first thing a person needs to do, in order to choose the best eye bandage, is to choose a bandage designed for the type of injury or vision problem that the person has. Soft, non-sterile bandages can be used to keep an eye closed after an injury to the cornea, but sterile bandages should be used if there is an open wound on the person's eye. In some cases, a person may also need an eye bandage that completely prevents light from reaching the eye. Once the correct type of bandage has been selected, many of the other considerations are aesthetic in nature.
Patients who need to make sure that an eye remains closed for a period of time, such as those who have had trauma to the cornea, either through accident or surgery, often use an eye bandage made of a soft, cottony material. When selecting one of these types of bandages, a person should choose a bandage with a texture and material that are not irritating as it may be worn next to the skin for a period of time. If all light needs to be blocked, the material may need to be thick enough to keep the eye in total darkness. Alternatively, an eye patch may need to be worn over the bandage.
Injuries or surgeries to the eye that have caused bleeding often require that an eye bandage be tightly fitted to a patient's eye. These bandages help control swelling and bleeding and keep a patient's eye firmly closed as it is healing. A long strip of bandage wrapped around the patient's head is often used to keep this patch in place. A soft, sturdy material should be used for this type of bandage.
In some cases, a patient may need to wear an eye bandage that blocks light without applying pressure to the eye. These types of eye bandages are usually used to correct vision problems such as lazy eye. Patients often need to wear them for an extended period of time and are able to choose between a variety of colors and patterns.
Patients with open wounds on the eyes or eyelids may also require the use of an eye bandage that is sterile. Using sterile gauze on the affected eye reduces the patient's risk of developing an infection. These types of bandages may also be used to cover a dressing on the wound and may be specially coated so they do not stick to the wound.
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![An eye doctor can help a patient choose the best eye bandage following an injury.]()
By: arztsamuiAn eye doctor can help a patient choose the best eye bandage following an injury. -
![Some eye bandages are worn in order to help correct vision problems.]()
By: FotolEdharSome eye bandages are worn in order to help correct vision problems. -
![Eye bandages are often needed after surgery.]()
By: Max TacticEye bandages are often needed after surgery.
Discussion Comments
I actually think that it's a bad idea to buy an eye bandage or patch without trying it first. A good fit is most important when selecting an eye bandage and there is no way to know if a bandage will fit well without trying it first.
@ysmina-- My daughter uses orthopedic fabric eye patches that stick over her eye. She has been using them for two months now to treat her lazy eye and they have been working great. They are comfortable and have a close fit, so there isn't extra space after application. My daughter says that light doesn't get through either.
You might have trouble finding these patches at stores. Sometimes pharmacies carry them and sometimes they don't but you can get them online. They're usually just called "orthopedic eye patch." Make sure to get ones with cool designs for children. This is the only reason my daughter agrees to wear one because she loves the designs. The patches I buy have an assortment of designs so she gets to pick which one she wants to wear.
My son needs to wear an eye bandage to help treat his lazy eye but I'm having a hard time finding a bandage for him that is both comfortable and effective. The ones that fit on the eye nicely are made of hard material and are uncomfortable. Others may be comfortable but allow him to open the eye inside the bandage which beats the purpose of using the bandage in the first place. Does anyone have any suggestions for us?
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