How long to do warm/cold compresses and how to massage oil glands after warm compress

[David S]

I'm sure this information is somewhere but my first question is how long to do warm/cold compresses. Also when I do cold compresses with ziplock baggie and some ice and water it seems to get very cold almost to the point of where it's too much. Does anyone have any recommendations for that?

My second question is after I do my warm compress with Rebecca's rice baggy how do I massage my oil glands. I always hear of people saying to "express the glands" but I don't really know how to do that or whether you just press on your eye lids or what. The only other thing would be how long and how often do people with MGD do warm compresses for?

[PotatoCakes]

First, I'd read the article in this link: http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showt...ance-or-murder

How long for warm... My first specialist recommended 15 minutes, 2X/day but I don't have that kind of time in the morning (I have a small child). My 2nd specialist recommended 5 minutes; I find that to be completely workable and I can feel the difference. I also only do it once a day anymore unless I'm having a bad day or actually wear makeup (I've found it really helps me remove every trace of eye makeup without chemicals).

There are two ways you can express (based on my understanding), without damaging your eyelids. One is to roll a moistened Qtip* across your lash margin. The upper lids are easy because your eyes are closed. The lower lid, a lot more difficult. Be gentle; your goal is not to squeeze but to apply gentle pressure. Another option that was told to me by a specialist is to take a warm, wet wash cloth and gently press your eyelids with it. Again, not too much pressure. I've been guilty of both using too hot compresses (ouch!) and pressing too hard on my lids and it doesn't help. Gentle is key! Remember, these are your eyes.

Cold compresses - I've always used ice wrapped in a wash cloth. You don't need a lot of ice; if you find it's getting too cold, use 2 washcloths. Another option, told to me by a specialist, that I really prefer, is to take 2 green tea bags, run cold water over them, squeeze excess out (not completely but so they aren't dripping) and place over eyes for a bit. Offers cooling relief plus caffeine acts as an anti-inflammatory.

*use saline, NOT the contact kind but like this: http://www.alltimemedical.com/produc...xtag&atmrid=15 you can get it at pharmacies, some states require a prescription. Amazon also sells similiar products w/o prescription

[Michael2]

I have come to realize that time is not the important factor, but rather how much oil you get out. So a 20 minute compress can be less effective than a 10 minute compress. Every person's body is different, but for me I can feel when that oil comes out. I think anything more than 15 minutes is overkill, and anything less than 5 minutes is pointless.

[tearless2]

Hi,

I just discovered my favorite way to do cold compresses. I bought a little cotton cloth bag that was sewn shut and stuffed with (what feels like) dried corn kernels at a children's store. It kind of looks like Rebecca's rice baggie but mine has teddy bears and hearts on it You keep it in the freezer for putting on kid's ouchies.

When frozen, I think the dried corn kernels result in a really good temperature. I am no longer afraid of freezing my eyeball. Also, it doesn't leak all over or give off any condensation.

I didn't originally buy it for my eyes -- it was supposed to be for my kids but I was so desperate for some relief and when I looked in the freezer, inspiration struck.

[David S]

tearless would you be able to send a link to exactly what that is called.

also have people had good results from cold compresses using rebecca's rice baggy? i currently have one for warm compresses but I think it might be nice to have one for cold compresses as well so i can always keep one in the fridge.

[tearless2]

I wish I had a link but this corn baggy looks likes it's homemade and has no tag on it. I think someone makes them by hand locally and sells them to the children's boutique. I will try to call the boutiique and get the name but....I would be surprised if they have a website. Perhaps a rice baggy would act the same.

[tearless2]

boo boo bag

Here's something similar to what I have :

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74733068...illed-donation

It's called a dinosaur boo boo bag.

[ellied]

I am not sure if I should be doing hot or cold compresses. I have been to two excellent doctors and one says to do hot compresses and the other says to do only cold compresses. Both agree that I have eye allergies and both prescribed restasis and allergy drops. I use the restasis everyday but am reluctant to use the allergy drops because of the preservatives. In my eye that is most dry I have an area that is particularly dry and painful. In this area on the lid I have a small bump that may be a clogged oil gland or an allergic reaction. I find it difficult to determine whether hot or cold is better because my eyes feel different every day. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[David S]

ellied,

If you only have eye allergies and no signs of meibomian gland dysfunction then I would only do the cold compresses. If you happen to have both then I would maybe do both warm and cold compresses at different times in the day. I would maybe go see your doctor again to get an exact diagnosis if you aren't sure. Also, I honestly think the benefit of the allergy drops will outweigh the mild preservatives in there for making your eyes better but that's just my opinion.