Hot Compress Eye Masks For Effective & Rapid Dry Eye Relief
If you are suffering from mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, such as itchy and gritty eyes, this low tech solution may be just what you need. Hot compress eye masks are easy to use and a natural way to treat blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and specifically – chronic dry eye disease.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease (DES) is a condition where the eyes chronically feel dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. This is due to either insufficient or poor quality tears. Other symptoms include:
- Watery eyes – the eyes may overproduce tears to compensate for the lack of lubrication
- Red eyes
- Fatigued eyes
- Sore or achy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect you may have dry eye, speak with Dr. Alan Schlussel and Dr. Hannah Canuto about the latest dry eye treatments available. Hot compress eye masks are one of the recommended methods for relieving dry eye.
How to Prepare a Warm Eye Compress
A warm compress has been proven to be effective in relieving irritating dry eye symptoms.
- The first step in dealing with anything eye care-related is to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap.
- Fill a clean bowl with warm water, just hot enough to comfortably feel the warmth with your fingers.
- Soak a clean washcloth in the warm water. Be sure to use clean water with nothing diluted in it. Face cleansers or Epsom salts can irritate or burn the eyes and should not be added.
- Ring out the washcloth so that it’s damp, and fold it lengthwise to the size of your eye area.
- Place the warm, damp cloth over closed eyelids and rest if there until it is no longer warm (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the washcloth and place it in the bowl with warm water to reheat it. Repeat steps 3 and 4.
You can also microwave a damp washcloth until it’s reached the desired temperature. Make sure to always test the washcloth before placing it over the eyes, as the skin of the eyelid is very thin and can be easily burned.
Warm compresses also come in a dry form, which can be heated using a microwave. All warm compress eye masks can also be purchased at drugstores. We can recommend which brands that are most suitable for your eyes. Whether store-bought or home-made, you’ll want to apply the warm compress twice daily (morning and night) for optimal results.
How Does A Hot Compress Eye Mask Provide Dry Eye Relief?
A hydrating hot compress eye mask contains special beads that continuously absorb and store water molecules from the air. When the mask is warmed up in the microwave, the clean, natural moist heat immediately begins to provide soothing relief for your eyes. A heated eye mask helps stabilize the tear film, improves oil gland function, and slows tear evaporation.
After using the mask, your hydrated and lubricated eyes will be able to expel bacteria and debris more efficiently so your eyes feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The heat from the mask also helps unblock meibomian glands and produce more tears.
Though warm eye compresses are a great at-home remedy for treating dry eye, can offer other more potent dry eye treatments for complete relief from symptoms. If you are experiencing dry eye, schedule an appointment at to get the relief you seek.
Contact Dr. Alan Schlussel and Dr. Hannah Canuto to discuss your dry eye symptoms and to determine whether hot compress eye masks are the right treatment for you.
Our practice serves patients across New York & New Jersey, including New York City, Montclair, Livingston, and South Orange, New York and surrounding communities.
