Taping an eyelid closed

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Before performing any eye procedure

• Wash your hands (and afterwards too).
• Position the patient comfortably with head supported.
• Avoid anything that may distract you or the patient.
• Ensure good lighting.
• Always explain to the patient what you are going to do.

Reasons for taping an eyelid closed

• To protect an eye with an anaesthetised cornea.
• To avoid exposure keratitis, e.g., when normal eyelid closure cannot be achieved.
• To aid healing of an epithelial defect.
• To assist eyelid closure under an eye pad.

You will need

• Scissors
• Waterproof adhesive tape: 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) wide

NOTE: Use only lightweight tape, as others are likely to cause a reaction when used on the sensitive skin of the eyelids.

Preparation

• Carefully explain the procedure to the patient so she or he understands what will happen. It can be very alarming to find that your eye cannot open!
• Ensure the eyelid skin is clean and dry.
• Ask the patient to close both eyes.

Method

• Cut a piece of tape approximately 4 cm long (Figure 1).
• Hold the tape horizontally. Apply the top half of the tape to the lower half of the eyelid (Figure 2).
• Secure the bottom half of the tape to the skin below the lower eyelid (Figure 3).
• Check that closure is effective by asking the patient to open both eyes (Figure 4); this should be impossible for the taped eye.
• Reassure the patient again by reminding her or him of the aim of the procedure.

NOTE: The tape can become loose over time, so replace as necessary.