I read somewhere that the patch over one eye wasn’t that they were missing an eye. Out on the deck in the bright sun they would wear the patch. When going into the dark hold of a ship looking for booty or enemy they would remove the patch so they had better vision in the dark.
Makes sense. Whether it is true or not, I don’t know.
Yes that is true. The patch is to maintain night vision for when going below deck. That’s why in the movies you’ll see them take off the patch sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with that eye.
My first flight instructor taught me to close one eye when confronted with a bright light while night flying. It preserves at least some of your night vision for a critical situation.
It only took a little practice and I have done it ever since. It is an invaluable tool for night driving, too. It also saved many a stubbed toe after opening the refrigerator in the dark of night. It works best if you instinctively close your dominant eye.
EC