Warm compresses improve more than Dry Eye

It’s cooler in the southern hemisphere at the moment which means heat therapy for eyelid and ocular surface health is a whole lot easier to do. 

Warm compresses form a key part of the management of meibomian gland dysfunction - key reason for dry, tired eyes and red eyelid margins. 

To keep the eyes clear and comfortable a good warm compress for around 10 minutes a day is beneficial. At least 10 minutes is recommended.

A recent paper has also found additional benefits in a group of individuals between 23 and 89 years of age. Ten minutes use of a warm compress of at least 40 degrees daily for 2 weeks not only improved signs of eye dryness but also improved Anxiety & Depression Scores and Subjective Happiness Scale questionnaire results. 

The study authors concluded warming eye mask improves not only the ocular surface conditions but also the subjective depression scores.