Watch glass bandage

A Watch glass bandage is a special dressing for the eye. It is used for infections and after operations. In contrast to other eye dressings, a watch glass dressing retains at least some of the ability to see.

What is a watch glass bandage?

The watch glass bandage consists of a stable, transparent plexiglass cap and a border made of adhesive plaster. Its name is derived from the plexiglass cap, the slight curvature of which is reminiscent of a watch glass. The bandage completely covers the eye and protects it from outside influences as well as from drying out.

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

Shapes, types & types

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

Watch glass bandages are available in different sizes. There are also watch glass bandages in which hypoallergenic plasters are used instead of normal adhesive plasters. Individual manufacturers also offer watch glass dressings with oval plexiglass caps and particularly large plaster surrounds. Watch glass bandages with opaque Plexiglas are also available for covering during the night and for light-sensitive patients.

Structure & functionality

A watch glass bandage is applied with the curvature of the inserted Plexiglas facing outwards and attached to the face in an airtight manner with the help of the self-adhesive plaster border. The structure of the watch glass bandage enables the eye to be protected without completely restricting vision. The transparent plexiglass cap allows the patient to use the eye as usual. There are only small restrictions in the field of vision due to the curvature of the glass.

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

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

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Medical & health benefits

A watch glass bandage is used for various diseases of the eye and after eye operations. It is used particularly often when the lid cannot be closed or cannot be closed completely. This is particularly the case with temporary or permanent paralysis of facial nerves.

Misalignment of the eyelid can also prevent the eye from closing completely. Scars and a shortened eyelid can also affect eyelid closure.

If the eyelid cannot be closed or cannot be closed completely, 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 drying out is not prevented or treated, the cornea can become inflamed and, as a result, an ulcer, the corneal ulcer, can form. Increasing the blinking of an eye to wet the cornea with tear fluid can lead to further irritation of the eye.

A watch glass bandage effectively prevents these complaints and possible secondary diseases. Since the protective cap made of plexiglass is firmly attached all around, no moisture can escape. This is why the cornea remains moist even if the eyelid is not closed or not closed properly. 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, vision, is retained. 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 disease, although the lid closure works as such, the eyes dry out very easily due to a disruption in the formation of tear fluid. In the case of a severe course of the sicca syndrome, in addition to burning and redness of the eyes, secondary diseases such as bacterial infections or corneal ulcers. A watch glass bandage has a preventive effect in this case. 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 particularly often used after operations due to ptosis, drooping of the eyelid, or after strabismus operations. A watch glass bandage can also be used to cover the eye for a short time immediately after a LASIK operation.