Does a warm eye compress help with dry eye?
A warm compress can help with blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) which are common causes of dry eye.
MGD happens when the glands lining your upper and lower lids are blocked. These glands secrete the oily layer onto the front of your tears. If the oil is of poor quality or there isn’t enough oil being produced as the glands have become blocked, the tears tend to evaporate quickly leaving your eyes dry and uncomfortable.
A warm compress is often recommended as the heat of the compress can help to unblock the meibomian glands. Along with gentle massage and lid cleansing, the compress will help to release any oil that may be trapped in your glands.
If you have blepharitis or MGD, the three principles of using heat, cleaning and hydrating (with the use of drops) is the mainstay of managing the condition and help make your eyes feel less dry.
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