What about Warm Compresses?

Warm Compresses play a key in managing tired eyes, eye irritation, blepharitis, styes, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye Disease.

They are soothing to symptoms of tired eyes, soften crusting in those with anterior blepharitis and debris on their lash line, help reduce inflammation and gland blockage when we have styes, help soften blocked oil in the meibomian glands in those with MGD and improve the signs and symptoms of Dry Eyes. 

Key Things to Remember are: 

• Time Matters - you need to do a warm compress for 10-15 minutes to be effective.

• More can be Better - If you have a Stye or moderate to severe MGD frequency of Warm Compresses is important.

  • For a stye think 3-6 times per day

  • For MGD at least 1-2 times per day every day until things have started to improve, then keep them up at least 4-5 times per week or as recommended by your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

• For softening crusting in Anterior Blepharitis a warm wet face cloth is fine BUT for styes and MGD, research has shown that a properly designed device is more effective. Look out for MGDRx EyeBag®, OptiSoothe Moist Heat Bag, Bruder Mask® or similar. In some regions devices such as a BlephaSteam®, Heated Eye Wands or are also avalaible.

• In all cases, be mindful that you don’t want it too hot as this can damage the skin

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist may also be able to make it easier for you to get and maintain results at home by doing an In Practice Professional Therapy such as LipiFlow®, Systane® iLux®, TearCare® or other forms of Therapeutic Meibomian Gland Expression,.