Warm Compresses for Eyes: Conditions Treated, Process
Warm compresses are an age-old home remedy that can provide relief in numerous conditions. It increases blood flow to the affected area and helps in healing. It can also help provide relief to sore muscles or clogged pores.
Warm compresses for the eyes can alleviate many eye conditions. It is recommended by doctors and health care professionals. These compresses are available in the form of self-heating pads over-the-counter. However, you can also make your warm compresses at home.
Some of the conditions that can be treated with warm eyes are:
- Styes or chalazion
These are bumps on your eyelid or lash line that can extremely uncomfortable and painful. The eyelid can get swollen and get filled with pus. This happens due to gland blockage or infection. Warm compresses are used to treat styes or chalazion.
Applying warm compresses to the area reduces the size of bumps by draining them out naturally. Also, if the condition is due to a gland blockage, applying a warm compress for the eyes can loosen blockages and unclog the glands.
- Dry eyes
Dry eyes are a common eye concern that affects many people. The syndrome is often associated with a lack of tears or no tears. It can be caused by pollution allergies or issues with your tear glands.
The eyes contain a natural tear film that provides them with lubrication and moisture. However, there could be an evaporative tear issue where the dry patches can appear on the surface of your eye.
Elderly people and women are more likely to get affected by dry. The eye concern is characterized by red eyes, discomfort, watery eyes, blurry vision, etc. Warm compresses can help provide moisture to the eyes.
It can also clear out the clogged glands. It stimulates the production of tears and the oils that prevent it from evaporating. Hence, warm compresses can be helpful in the case of dry eyes.
- Pink eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the inner conjunctiva of the eye. Warm compress for the eyes can help relieve discomfort in the case of pink eye. However, it is important to use other antibiotic medications along with it to get rid of the issue. Your doctor may recommend warm compresses three to four times a day.
The infection is caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies and has a high risk of spreading. Hence, you need to use a separate clean cloth for each of your eyes in every warm compress session. It can help in clearing out any discharge build-up and also alleviate pain.
Warm compresses help in various mild eye issues. Other conditions that can benefit from warm compresses include swollen eyes, infections, blepharitis, itchiness, black eyes, and redness.
however, you can have a prior discussion with your doctor to understand whether warm compresses will be helpful in your case.
Process of warm compresses
The process of using a warm compress for the eyes is simple and effective. Take a clean washcloth and dunk it in warm water. You can heat the water on a stove or take some hot water from the tap.
You can adjust the temperature of the water as per your requirement. However, it should not be too hot as the area around your eyes is sensitive. Also, avoid using salt or tea bags in warm compresses for the eyes.
Soak the washcloth in water. After it has absorbed the hot water, squeeze to remove excess water. Now, fold the washcloth and place it over your eyelids, keeping your eyes clothes. This can help ease pain, inflammation, and other infections. Keep it there as long as it eases your symptoms. You can resoak the cloth when it gets cold and dry.
You can also dampen a washcloth and place it in the microwave until it reaches the desired temperature. Also, there are self-heating pads available in the market that can enable you to provide instant relief to your eyes. These products can be helpful for numerous eye conditions and offer a convenient and hygienic way to provide warm compresses to your eyes.