Tape for the eyelids

Definition - What is a tape for the eyelid?

A tape for the eyelids is a special medical aid that is mainly used against drooping eyelids. The rather sagging eyelids are attached by the tape in such a way that their shape is based on the "normal" shape of eyelids. This improves the visual field, for example, since the eyelid no longer hangs in front of the visual axis. Basically, the tape is a small adhesive strip that can be stuck to the eyelid.

Who are the tapes intended for?

Tapes for the eyelids are intended for those people who suffer from drooping eyelids. These are droopy eyelids that can cause aesthetic or medical problems. For example, a heavily drooping eyelid can restrict the field of vision. To counteract this problem, tapes can be used for the eyelids. They can be used to glue the eyelid so that it is more under tension. It is important that it is still possible to close the eye completely.

In order to prevent medical difficulties such as impaired vision or injuries to the cornea and conjunctiva, these tapes can be worn throughout the day. However, you usually take them off again to sleep and have to put new tapes on the next day. The tapes are therefore particularly suitable for people who want to avoid the medical sequelae of drooping eyelids. You can also achieve a better cosmetic appearance of the eye area with the tapes for the eyelids. Since in most cases better results are achieved with an operation on the drooping eyelids, the tapes for the eyelids are primarily used for those people who do not want to undergo such an operation. This can be the case for medical reasons, and the cost of the operation also plays a role for many of those affected.

Here you can find more information about Therapy options for drooping eyelids.

What can you realistically achieve with tapes?

The tapes for the eyelids can be used for a certain period of time (usually a few hours to a day) and only achieve an effect within this period. The tapes usually have to be re-glued every day. Their primary task is to (re) establish the functionality of the eye. The tapes are often used by people with drooping eyelids, for example to enlarge the field of vision that is restricted by the drooping eyelids. In this case, if properly applied, tapes can produce an almost normal field of vision and are therefore a very good treatment option for the complaints. Other problems such as drying out of the eyes due to drooping eyelids can also be prevented by tapes.

On the other hand, those who use the tapes for the eyelids to achieve an improved appearance will usually not be completely satisfied. You can bring the eyelids into a "more beautiful" shape by taping, but the adhesive strips are usually visible, so that a change in the eye area is still noticeable. Many suspect that the tapes can also be used to tighten the tissue of the eyelids so that one day the drooping eyelids will disappear. However, this cannot be achieved simply by wearing the tapes.

What are the risks?

As with many other applications on the skin, you have to expect some risks and side effects with the tape for the eyelids. First of all, the tape can cause allergic reactions, for example, in the form of itching, burning, redness and swelling. Blistering of the skin under the tape is also possible. Because the tape is in the immediate vicinity of the eye, there is a fundamental risk that a reaction to the tape that spreads will also affect the eye itself and thereby damage structures. This can lead to reduced visual acuity.

Other risks of the tape for the eyelids arise mainly from incorrect or careless use. If you unintentionally stick the tape to hairy areas such as the eyebrows or eyelashes, you may tear them out when you remove the tape. At least as a result, the tape is painfully detached.
Even those who use the tapes in such a way that the eyelids are glued too tightly can cause problems. Taping too tightly can mean that the eye can no longer be completely closed. As a result, the eye is not adequately supplied with the protective tear fluid, which can damage the cornea or the conjunctiva and, in the worst case, cause clouding in the eye, which can lead to a deterioration in vision.

Read here about other causes for dry eyes.

costs

The cost of the tapes depends mainly on how many of the tapes you buy. For example, packs of ten tapes are available for five to twenty euros online or in drugstores. Since most of those affected tap both eyes, such a pack can usually be used for five days. Within a month, the costs can quickly amount to 25 to 120 euros. The cost of the tapes can rarely be fully covered by health insurance. However, if you can, for example, show a clear medical indication for the use of the tapes (for example excessive drying of the eyes without the taping) and cannot have alternative treatment methods such as a drooping eyelid operation, there is a chance of reimbursement of costs. However, this should be requested from the health insurance company at an early stage, as several attempts are often required before such costs are actually covered.

Read here: What does an operation for drooping eyelids cost?

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Tapes for the eyelids are basically a functioning treatment method for drooping eyelids. Above all, they can temporarily eliminate medical problems associated with the disease. Their greatest weakness is that it is just a so-called symptomatic form of therapy. In this way, the symptoms and complaints of the drooping eyelids are treated, but the cause of the complaints cannot be eliminated. The strengths of the tape for eyelids are that, when used correctly, they can completely prevent both seeing and drying of the eyes due to drooping eyelids. At the same time, an improved cosmetic result is achieved, although the tapes can often be seen. A major disadvantage of the tapes for eyelids is that it is not a permanent therapy. Rather, the tapes have to be re-attached every day.

In addition, due to the possibility of allergic reactions and incorrect use (incorrect gluing), there is still a risk of permanent damage to the eye with the tapes. Therefore, the tapes should only be used after a briefing in the treatment by an experienced specialist.