---
title: "Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times?"  
description: "A brief explanation of the reason why pirates wore black eye patches in old times"  
author: "Anjita D."  
published: 2023-11-07  
canonical: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/3138/why-do-pirates-wear-black-eye-patches-in-old-times  
category: "education, history"  
tags: ["pirates", "black eye patches", "facts", "general knowledge"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times?

![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/a3e03069-fb63-4c25-9d31-25a7ae0609ac.jpeg) ![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/3fb95469-c113-4136-a5d8-5e0403ecd3dd.jpeg) Pirates would wear an eye patch over one eye while on deck to adapt to the darkness, allowing them to see immediately below deck. ![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/6dd00c37-b45b-44db-8b7a-b204a7e83cbb.jpeg) It helps to enhance night vision, the pupil dilates when transitioning from a bright to a dark environment, which can take up to 25 minutes. ![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/8ed0a194-868a-4ca8-b9cf-e6ab18818fdd.jpeg) It is said they also wear an eye patch to protect their eyes from dry air and dust. ![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/a4b3af67-ccfa-4d93-bcfe-31c8508ec92b.jpeg) Furthermore, it was also utilised to safeguard an eye injured during pirate fights from further damage and infection. ![Why do pirates wear black eye patches in old times](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/2e15f2db-5560-4e7a-81a6-3586e1e70c31/images/9316ac71-099d-4220-96aa-35eeaf2489cd.jpeg) Additionally, it became connected with pirates as a mark of toughness and bravery.

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Original Source: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/3138/why-do-pirates-wear-black-eye-patches-in-old-times

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