Learning how to apply an eye bandage

How to properly apply an eye bandage

You never know when knowledge about how to properly apply an eye bandage might come in handy. It may be after a recent eye surgery or an eye injury, when the eyes need to be covered with a sterile dressing. This is especially important if eye bandaging is required for a loved one and there is no possibility to visit a treatment room every day. However, there is always a solution, and with a bit of practice you can easily do daily dressings at home.

Types of eye bandages

In ophthalmology, there are two types of eye bandages: monocular (when one eye is affected) and binocular (when both eyes are affected). Accordingly, there are two main methods for applying an eye bandage. To help you decide which method of eye bandaging to choose, let’s look at both options.

Eye bandage with adhesive tape

This is the simplest way to apply an eye bandage, and preparation does not take much time. Take a sterile bandage or sterile gauze pad and fold it several times. You should get a rectangle about 2.5 × 7 cm in size. Place this pad over the affected eye and secure it on both sides with strips of adhesive tape. One strip is attached to the cheek, the other is fixed on the forehead.

Disadvantages of adhesive tape fixation

This method also has its disadvantages. Firstly, adhesive tape tends to peel off from time to time. Secondly, when using this type of eye bandage, you should remember that removing the tape later can be painful for the patient.

Sling-shaped eye bandage

The next eye bandaging method is much more convenient and is usually better tolerated by patients.

In this case, we make a so-called sling bandage. It is not difficult to prepare at home. You will need a piece of wide bandage whose length equals the head circumference plus 10–15 cm. On both sides, the bandage is cut into two strips of equal width, leaving an uncut central part about 10 cm long.

How to apply a sling eye bandage

After preparing this bandage strip, place a pre-folded sterile gauze pad or dressing over the eye. While gently pressing the pad with the solid central part of the bandage, tie the ends of the strips at the back of the head.

When a sling bandage is more practical

If necessary, the bandage can be removed at any time without causing discomfort to the patient. And if you need to apply such a bandage to both eyes, the uncut central part of the bandage in the middle should be at least 25 cm long.