In general, a warm compress for dry eyes can be used for styes, dry eyes and for blepharitis. But in school, they don’t go into much detail about how exactly to use a warm compress.
I dug into the research to bring you some tips about using your warm compress more effectively.
Let’s look at the benefits of using a heat compress for dry eyes and what science says about the proper way to do warm compress.
Tips for using a warm compress
Washcloths are not effective
Using a washcloth as a compress, where you get it wet and warm it up, is the least effective way to do a warm compress. Studies have shown that because the water in those washcloths evaporate, it cools your eyelids very quickly (Arita R. et al., 2015). This means the oils in your eyelids don’t reach the temperature needed to melt.
Use your warm compress for 5-15 minutes
Studies show that warm compresses get the best results when used for 5-15 minutes. They show an 80% increase in tear film oil layers after 5 minutes, and a 100% increase after 15 minutes (Olson MC. et al., 2003).
In short, doing warm compresses for longer is better. Try shooting for 15 minutes.
Use your warm compress regularly
It is important to use your warm compress regularly. One study found that after 12 weeks of consistenly using a warm compress, patients showed a decreased level of phosphlipase on the tear film (Man Lam S. et al., 2014).
To do this, find a way to remind yourself. I personally keep my warm compresses in a basket near my bed.
Use the right temperature
Most studies say that 40C (or 104F) is the ideal temperature to reach for your warm compress to work effectively and melt those thickened oils (Murakami DK et al., 2014; Blackie CA et al., 2010; Korb DR et al., 2008).
But be careful! You don’t want your compress too hot. 45C or much higher puts a higher risk of burning the eyelid skin or deforming the cornea.
Be gentle with eyelids massages
If you do an eyelid massage after a dry eye compress, be sure to be gentle with your eyes. Follow your doctor’s proper instructions about doing one appropriately. Pushing on the eyes too hard can increase eye pressure or cause deformity to the corneal surface.
But I haven’t yet found any studies at this time that showed that warm compresses resulted in negative impacts on the eyes. It’s just good to be safe!
Dry vs. Wet warm compress?
Compresses that hold more heat for longer provide better results, and compresses with moist heat are superior.
I personally us 2 different warm compresses. I use a dry heat warm compress in the mornings and a moist heat compress in the evening.
To learn more about dry eyes and the products I use and recommend, check out our other videos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7roXA…
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Disclaimer: This information is not meant for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should follow up with your local healthcare provider regarding all matters related to your health.