Warm Compresses For Dry Eyes Relief

For many individuals, using a warm compress over the eyes can soothe the eyes and help to alleviate symptoms of chronic dry eye. The warm compress helps to soften the oil in the oil glands of the eyelids and allows the oil to be secreted onto the eye. This oil improves the tear film and prevents the eyes from drying out as rapidly.

Warm compresses can be used once or twice daily for five to ten minutes to treat symptoms of dry eye. There are also special masks that can be used to apply slight pressure and warmth to the eyes to achieve results quicker and easier.
 

Meibomian Glands of the Eyelids

The oil glands in the eyelids, called meibomian glands, are an essential part of keeping the eyes healthy. These oil glands secrete an oil component into the tear film that prevents the tears from evaporating too rapidly and leaving the eyes feeling dry. Blinking should stimulate the release of oil from these glands as the blink applies a slight pressure to the oil glands. However, if the oil glands get blocked with thickened or hardened oil, the oil glands may no longer secrete oil into the tear film. This is a common problem that can result from inflammation in the eyelid or other skin conditions such as ocular rosacea. 
 

Issues with Meibomian Glands

If the meibomian or oil glands become clogged or stopped, there will not be any oil secreted onto the eyes. This can lead to the tears evaporating before another blink and the eyes developing dry, irritated areas. One of the main ways to detect if there are problems with the meibomian glands is to have the glands imaged using a bright light to illuminate the glands through the eyelid. An eye doctor can also evaluate the opening of the meibomian glands by using a slit lamp biomicroscope. If there are problems detected with either method, treatments may be needed to improve the symptoms of dry eyes.
 

Dry Eye Treatments for Oil Glands

If the cause of the dry eye symptoms is problems with the oil glands of the eyelid, the treatment for the dry eye will focus on improving and repairing these glands. There are many advanced procedures that can be used in the treatment of meibomian gland disease including light therapy, heated massage, mechanical probing, and prescription medications. However, the most common and often most effective treatment is using a warm compress for five to ten minutes once or twice per day. 
 

How Warm Compresses Help to Relieve Dry Eyes

If there is oil that has solidified in the meibomian glands of the eyelid, this oil will obstruct the secretion of more oil into the eyes. By using a heated compress, the oil can be melted and then pressed out of the glands to allow for better functioning. Regularly using a warm compress can improve symptoms of dryness and irritation as well as improve the overall health of the oil glands in the eyelids. 

Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about how warm compresses can help improve your dry eyes. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Longmont, Colorado and its surrounding areas.