Warm compresses for dry eyes

This section refers to the use of warm compresses for those who suffer from meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye type.

Remember that you should always consult your health care professional. Do not rely only on what you read on the internet.

The use of warm compresses in the treatment of evaporative dry eye or due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is well documented. In fact, many people with MGD reported an improvement in the quality of their tears and therefore their ocular comfort after using warm compresses on a daily basis.

Chronic dry eye is characterized by red eyes, burning, irritation, discomfort, eye fatigue, feeling of sand in the eyes and even watery eyes! Indeed, watery eyes indicates that you produce reflex tears because your tears are not good quality. Yes, sometimes watery eyes is a indication of dry eyes !!!

The majority of people who suffer from evaporative dry eye or MGD produce enough tears. The problem is not the quantity but the quality of it. Tears are poorer quality because the meibomian glands are not working properly or not working at all.

Meibomian glands are located on the border of the lid margin close to the lash. They produce a substance called meibum. This meibum is actually a lipid that serves to stabilize our tears on the surface of the eye to retard evaporation. When the lipid layer no longer work, our tears evaporate too quickly between each blink and that’s when appears the symptoms of evaporative dry eye.

The meibomian glands normally produce a fluid transparant lipid which spreads easily on the cornea and conjunctiva with each blink. When we are affected by a meibomian gland dysfunction, lipid produced by these glands is much thicker (as in toothpaste) and therefore more difficult to be secreted. In addition, it is of lesser quality. When the lipid is not secreted, it happens that the glands become clogged which has the effect of maintaining the dry eye viscious cycle.

It is for this very specific reason that hot compresses are used for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. In fact, the heat can liquefy these substances abnormally thickened and allows them to expand on the eye during blinking and better protect the eye area against a too rapid tears evaporation. The application of heat between 5 and 15 minutes 2 times a day is usually sufficient.

When you suffer from evaporative dry eye type, the use of artificial tears is good but it is far from providing lasting relief. However, the use of artificial tears (preferably without preservative) in addition to the application of warm compresses can actually improve your condition. If you suffer from MGD, know that you are not alone. Some verification on the net suppose that up to 80% of dry eye cases are evaporative types, so a malfunction of the meibomian glands.

Warm compresses for sale on this site are of the highest quality. They are made entirely in the United States and are 100% natural. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, you can choose the dye free model. Here is how you use them:

1. Place the pad in the microwave for + / – 30 seconds.
2. Make sure it is not burning. The pad should be warm and not hot.
3. If it is not hot enough, then heat it in the microwave for another 10 seconds. Do not forget to check the heat of the compress before you put on your eyes.
4. If the pad is at the desired temperature, sit comfortably with the compress on your eyes for a period ranging from 5 to 15 minutes.

Several studies suggest gently massage the eyelids after application of heat to facilitate the expulsion of liquefied lipid from your meibomian glands. If you proceed to massage the eyelids, do not forget to do it gently. The eyelid is a delicate area of ​​human body. Also, do not forget it is strongly recommended that you clean the eyelids afterwards with a cleanser such as OCuSOFT LidScrub.