Eye beads are apotropaic—meaning they ward off bad luck or fate. They are based on the idea that same or like is good for same or like. From early times in Europe and the Middle East, and persisting today, was the belief that certain individuals (or even anyone) could cause harm to you, your family (particularly children), your home or property—merely through a malevolent gaze combined with an ill wish. Some people would call this "being witched." The purpose of eye beads is to attract that evil gaze to the bead, so that the eyes of the two people involved do not meet. The bead can take the threat and neutralize it. Consequently, eye beads (of any sort) are protective amulets.

Jamey