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 (562) 925-6591 to schedule a dry eye exam. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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