Pirates:
* This is the most famous association with eyepatches, stemming from the dangers of life at sea. A lost eye due to injury, disease, or even scurvy could necessitate an eyepatch.
* The eyepatch might be worn to help the other eye adjust to darkness when going below deck or into battle.
Other historical figures:
* Soldiers: Eyepatches were used to protect injured eyes and to aid in aiming during battle.
* Sailors: As with pirates, sailors also faced eye injuries at sea, and eyepatches offered protection and allowed for adaptation to darkness.
* Individuals with eye conditions: People with vision loss in one eye might wear an eyepatch to help the other eye adjust to normal vision.
Modern day:
* People with eye injuries or conditions: Modern medical eyepatches are used to protect the eye, encourage healing, or manage conditions.
* Cosplay and costume: Eyepatches are used for cosplay and costume purposes, particularly for pirate or other historical figures.
* Fashion: While not common, some individuals might wear eyepatches as a fashion statement.
Fictional characters:
* Characters with one eye: In fiction, eyepatches are often used to signify characters who are blind in one eye.
* "Cool" characters: Eyepatches can be used to add a sense of mystery, toughness, or even humor to a character.
Remember that associating eyepatches only with pirates is a common misconception. They have a rich history and are used in many contexts beyond pirate mythology.