Medical devices

Watch Glass Bandage – Application & Health Benefits

Watch glass bandage

watch glass bandage is a special bandage for the eye . It is used for infections and after operations. In contrast to other eye bandages, the ability to see is at least partially preserved with a watch glass bandage .

What is a watch glass bandage?

The watch glass bandage consists of a strong, clear Plexiglas cap and a bandage of adhesive tape . Its name is derived from the Plexiglas cap, whose slight curvature is reminiscent of a watch glass. The bandage covers the eye completely, protecting it from both external influences and drying out.

The Plexiglas cap makes it possible to determine changes in the eye without having to remove the bandage. In addition, the patient can continue to see with a watch glass bandage, even if the vision is somewhat restricted.

Shapes, Species & Types

The main component of the watch glass assembly is a dimensionally stable protective cap made of transparent Plexiglas. It is round and slightly curved. Its shape is reminiscent of the cover glass of a pocket watch. A border of self-adhesive plaster is attached to the edge of this unbreakable Plexiglas cap. This is also round. In addition, it often 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 attached.

Watch glass bandages are available in different sizes. There are also watch glass bandages that use hypoallergenic bandages instead of regular adhesive bandages . Individual manufacturers also offer watch glass bandages with oval plexiglass caps and particularly large bandage bezels. Watch glass dressings with opaque plexiglass are still available for night time coverage and for light sensitive patients.

Structure & functionality

A watch glass bandage is applied with the bulge of the inserted plexiglass facing outwards and applied airtight to the face using the self-adhesive bandage border. The structure of the watch glass bandage allows protection of the eye without completely restricting vision. The clear Plexiglas cap allows the patient to use the eye as usual. Due to the curvature of the glass, there are only small restrictions in the field of vision.

The curved plexiglass cap acts like a protective chamber for the eye. The airtight plaster that is attached around the cap not only ensures a secure hold, but also prevents the ingress of germs and foreign bodies. In addition, the natural moisture in the eye cannot escape. This prevents the cornea from drying out if the eye cannot be closed after an operation or due to illness.

Since the protective cap of the watch glass bandage is made of plexiglass and is therefore transparent, the bandage does not have to be removed to observe the healing process. The changes in the eye can also be seen through the Plexiglas cap. Watch glass bandages are therefore often used when regular pupil monitoring is necessary.

Medical & health benefits

A watch glass bandage is used for various diseases of the eye and after eye surgery . It is used particularly frequently when the lid cannot be closed or can only be closed partially. This is particularly the case with temporary or permanent paralysis of facial nerves.

A malposition of the eyelid can also lead to 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 partially, the cornea can dry out. This is noticeable by a dry burning sensation and the feeling of having a foreign object in the eye. If the dehydration is not prevented or treated, the cornea can become inflamed and as a result an ulcer , the corneal ulcer, can even form. Blinking more often to wet the cornea with tear fluid can lead to further irritation of the eye.

A watch glass bandage effectively prevents these symptoms and possible secondary diseases. Since the Plexiglas protective cap is firmly attached all around, no moisture can escape. That is why the cornea remains moist even if the eyelid is not closed or only insufficiently closed. Germs or pollutants cannot penetrate the permanently open eye with the airtight watch glass bandage. At the same time, the actual function of the eye, seeing, is preserved. In this way, restrictions in the quality of life can be avoided.

A watch glass bandage is therefore also suitable for long-term use. This can be necessary, for example, with sicca syndrome. In this condition, the lid closure itself works, but the eyes dry out very easily due to a disturbance in the production of tear fluid. If the sicca syndrome progresses severely, burning and reddening of the eyes can also result in complications such as bacterial infections or corneal ulcers. A watch glass bandage has a preventive effect in this case. This also applies if an eye that is still healthy 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 bandage can also be used to cover the eye for a short time immediately after LASIK surgery.

Lisa Newlon
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Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.