What You Need To Know About Wearing An Eye Patch Through TSA

For the average traveler, getting through airport security without being flagged by the TSA requires carefully packing liquids, removing laptops from bags, and taking off outerwear. However, travelers who wear an eye patch may have another thing to worry about. According to model and TikToker @oneeyemodel, you might be forced to undergo drawn-out security checks when sporting a patch.

@oneeyemodel

Note to self don't ever wear your eyepatch to an airport! It was an unpleasant experience I was taken into a back room to get searched. I almost missed my flight. On a more positive side I can't wait to get home and see my friends and family 🥳 #eyepatch #oneeyegang #travel #southafrica #airport #fly #plane #nyc

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In a viral video, the content creator, who is blind in one eye, claims he was hassled by TSA after choosing to wear an eye covering at the airport. "Apparently it's very threatening," reads the clip's text, referencing his eye patch. "Security kept stopping me and did very thorough searches. It took hours. I almost missed my flight." In the video's caption, he elaborated, adding that he was taken to a back room to be searched by security officers.

Wearing an eye patch at the airport shouldn't be grounds for harassment or detainment in airport security. However, @oneeyemodel's experience is a reminder that an eye patch could cause confusion for TSA agents. If you plan to wear an eye patch to the airport, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your gate.

While some TSA agents may be thrown off by an eye patch, there's no rule against wearing one in airport security. A range of medically necessary items, including external medical devices and medical masks, are permitted through the screening checkpoints. Whether you wear an eye covering due to blindness, to shield your eye after surgery, or for another practical reason, it should fall under the category of being medically required and, therefore, approved by TSA.

Similarly, eye bandages aren't generally forbidden on flights, and wearing one shouldn't get you in trouble at the airport. However, you may be required to participate in additional screening to rule out security threats. When wearing a bandage or any other type of eye covering, inform an officer and be prepared to undergo a quick test. In most cases, this should only involve an inspection of the bandage and/or a test of your hands for explosives. You shouldn't be asked to remove the bandage during the screening.

It's worth noting that while medical and protective eye patches aren't worn for the purpose of playing dress-up, even costumes are generally permitted through security, provided they don't contain any potentially dangerous elements. However, TSA states that Halloween masks should be kept in your carry-on bag until you've passed through the checkpoint. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to explicitly remind TSA officers that your eye patch serves an important purpose and isn't worn for fun.

At the end of his TikTok video, @oneeyemodel shared that he'd avoid wearing an eye patch through airport security in the future, swapping it for his prosthetic eye instead. The good news is that artificial eyes are also allowed through airport security and shouldn't require lengthy screenings or a thorough body search. When going through TSA with a prosthetic, it's a good idea to notify an officer about your artificial eye before beginning the screening process.

Most modern artificial eyes are made of acrylic and won't set off metal detectors. However, the prosthesis could still trigger screening alarms and require extra inspection. You'll never be required to remove your prosthetic eye during security screenings. If you decide not to wear your prosthetic eye through airport security, pack the prosthesis carefully in your carry-on bag using a protective case. If you choose to fly with cleaning solution or other liquid supplies, know that these medically necessary items are exempt from TSA's liquid rules. Declare large quantities of liquids to a security officer and explain that they're needed for your prosthetic eye.