Looking for Home Treatment Options for Dye Eyes?
Home treatment for dry eyes can be very helpful in managing the condition. One of the easiest and most accessible methods is to apply a warm compress regularly. Although you might think to dampen a washcloth to implement this strategy, using dry heat is more conducive to the management of dry eye disease (DED). Read on to explore why dry heat works better than moist heat when treating DED.
How Heat can Help Combat Dry Eye Symptoms
Normally, the eyes produce meibum, an oil that helps keep the eyes moisturized with tears. If the eyes do not manufacture enough of this substance, the result is a condition known as Meibomian Gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is quite common among adults, particularly as they age. It is also commonly associated with dry eye disease since the symptoms of MGD and DED are often the same. The application of a heated mask generally softens the meibum. This makes it easier for the vital oil to flow as it should. A film is then created on the surface of the tears, which aids in keeping them intact and reducing evaporation.
Potential Problems Associated with Damp Heat
It might seem counterintuitive to use a dry compress instead of moist heat for dry eyes. After all, the symptoms being treated are a result of dryness of the eyes, so applying a damp compress may seem to make the most sense. However, wet heat can interfere with the process of restoring natural moisture to the eyes.
The following are a few of the issues that may arise after damp heat is used on dry eyes:
- Evaporation: The most significant complication after using a moist compress is evaporation. Just as moisture evaporates when you step out of a bathtub, swimming pool, or any other body of water, the same is true when you apply a damp mask on the eyelids. As soon as the wet compress is removed from the eyes, the moisture from the heated compress will begin to disappear. This leads to a quick cooling effect that may cause the meibum to harden, which will again restrict it from flowing properly.
- Wrong temperature: Achieving an optimal temperature for a heated compress is critical. If the compress is too hot, it could damage the eyes by burning them. If it is too cool, it won’t help your dry eyes, and it could worsen the situation by further stiffening of the meibum. When you heat a wet compress via a microwave oven or with hot water, it is difficult to reach and sustain the correct temperature. The best treatment for dry eyes is one that is self-heating, ensuring a proper temperature every time.
- Skin and beauty products: Countless people wear products on their skin, from moisturizer to sunscreen to makeup. A moist compress will typically remove such products from the skin, resulting in an unhygienic mess on both the skin and the compress. This is not usually an issue when a dry warming mask is in place.
- Finally, moisture on the surface of the eyelids does not reach the surface of the eyes, and therefore a moist compress does not directly do anything for the tear film.
Eyegiene® Warm Compresses: Applying Dry Heat for Dry Eye Management
If you are looking for ways to treat your dry eye symptoms, or if you want to know how to unblock eye oil glands effectively, dry heat is the safest, easiest, and most convenient way to go.
EyeGiene® dry eye treatments are calibrated and self-warming, so you can attain the right amount of heat for the correct amount of time. Our starter kits and replacement items are affordable, convenient, and can be used at home or wherever you need to be.
If you have questions you can use our online contact form, or email us at: info@eyegiene.com
