While it recommended to first see a doctor if you experience dry eye symptoms for a proper diagnosis of the problem, warm compresses are an effective at-home treatment option for those suffering from dry eye. However, a treatment needs to be prepared and performed correctly in order to reach the desired results.
Warm compresses, when properly prepared and applied, can be very effective treatments for the symptoms of dry eye, which include irritated, red, watery, or burning eyes, a gritty feeling in and around the eyes, eye fatigue or soreness, and light sensitivity.
Warm compresses are relatively simple to make using household items like washcloths or rice bags, and you can also buy more specially made compress packs. Because washcloth compresses are the most commonly used , we will focus on those here. You can also buy compresses in drug stores, and these are specifically designed for use treating dry eye symptoms.
Tea bags are not recommended; where your eyes are involved, plain clean water is best.
To make a warm compress from a washcloth, fill a bowl with warm--but not hot--water, and place the clean washcloth in it. It should be completely wet, but before application it should be wrung out so it doesn’t drip.
Once you start using the compress, you can dunk it in warm water again, once it gets cold, and repeat the application.
As with any at-home remedy, it’s important to make sure that you don’t inadvertently do any damage in the process of the treatment. When it comes to using compresses to treat dry eye, remember that your eyes and eyelids are very delicate; avoid doing anything which might cause injury. If you plan to use warm compresses at home, it is advised that you consult with a doctor in advance to receive guidance on how to do so safely. Tradidional warm compresses, such as those made from rice bags or washcloths, tend to be of lesser effectiveness; washcloths do not sustain the proper temperature for long, and rice bags produce the wrong kind of heat. Store-bought compresses, such as the Bruder warm compress, are designed specifically for this task and will yield better results.
Only use plain water, not tea bags, and do not put any chemicals, such as Epsom salts, into the water, as that could burn your eyes or the skin around it.
It is safer to use a washcloth soaked in water rather than a chemical hot pack, as if the hot pack leaks, it could burn your eye.
When preparing water for the compress, make sure it is warm, not hot. The skin or your eyelids and around your eyes is very sensitive and burns easily.
It is also important to keep things separate. If you are treating both of your eyes, use separate compresses for each one. This will decrease the likelihood of spreading infection between the eyes.
Once the washcloth is wet, fold it and place it on your closed eye. Hold it there for several minutes (until it is no longer warm), or for however long your doctor recommended. You can repeat this process several times daily, as directed by your doctor.
Warm compresses are not considered to be a long-lasting treatment for dry eye symptoms, but they will provide relief from the pain and irritation for some time, as they moisturize the eye and unclog your meibomian glands. Unclogging the glands will both prevent discomfort and inflammation, and, with the oil flowing properly again, your tears will be of better quality, further reducing dry eye symptoms. Warm compresses do not tend to provide long-lasting relief, however, so in-office treatments are recommended.
While warm compresses are an at-home treatment, you should still speak with a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, as they will be able to provide you with additional assistance and recommendations regarding the management of the condition.
Warm compresses are an effective at-home treatment which can relieve dry eye symptoms. However, compresses are not meant to be a replacement for in-office treatments, and you should still see a doctor if you experience dry eye symptoms. If you are experiencing such symptoms, contact us at (423) 710 3965 to schedule a dry eye exam. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
As an optometrist at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, one of the most common questions Dr. Heather McBryar often encounters is: "Are carrots good for your eyes?" To put it simply, yes, carrots are indeed beneficial for your eyes. Carrots are known to improve eyesight, and this is largely due to the wealth of vitamins […]
Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the difference! The term foggy vision often refers to a visual disturbance characterized by blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision, which can make seeing clearly challenging. As your local optometrist, we recognize the significance of maintaining optimal […]
According to the National Eye Institute, nystagmus affects approximately 0.24% of the general population in the United States. This means a whopping 720,000 individuals in the US face the challenges of nystagmus. How does Nystagmus Impact Vision? Nystagmus is a condition that affects the eyes, causing involuntary and rapid movements that can make it difficult to […]
Monday - Tuesday
7:30AM - 5:15PM
Wednesday - Thursday
8:00AM - 5:15PM
Friday - Sunday
Closed
