Eye Switch

Eye Switches are recurring items in the Legend of Zelda series. When struck with an arrow or other projectile, they alter Link's surrounding in a variety of ways, though most commonly they simply open a sealed door.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Eye switches appear as an eye set in a tilted square, and are either gold or silver. Silver switches are often temporary, resetting when Link reenters the room (though some, such as those found outside the twisting corridors in the Forest Temple, can be reset by shooting them again), while gold switches tend to have lasting effects; occasionally, the switch will only remain active for a limited time before resetting.

As a child, Link uses his Slingshot to activate eye switches; as an adult, he activates them with the Bow.

Occasionally, an eye switch will be encased in ice, which must be melted in order to reach the switch. Oddly, using Din's Fire on a frozen switch will activate it in addition to melting the ice.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Eye switches function in the same manner as they did in Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Eye switches are larger than they were in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, and are less common, being found only in the Tower of the Gods. Their primary function is to activate moving platforms and open blocked passages.