Healthbeautyidea.com | The Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes – Our eyes are one of the most important organs in our body. They help us see the world around us, but they are also exposed to various environmental stressors every day.
Depending on our lifestyle, we may spend hours in front of screens, reading or just going about our day-to-day activities. This can cause our eyes to become tired, dry and sore. Fortunately, there is an easy and effective way to soothe tired eyes – warm compress.
What is a warm compress?
A warm compress is a method of applying heat to the eyes using a cloth or other material. The cloth is soaked in warm water and applied to the eyes for a few minutes. The warmth of the compress helps to increase the blood flow to the eyes and relax the muscles around the eyes.
Warm compresses are an incredible home cure for all sorts of eye ailments. There are of two types of warm compresses – moist and dry.
Warm moist compresses are applied by soaking a washcloth in warm water and is placed on the affected area. These compresses are considered better for eyes than dry compresses as they help in providing moisture to dry eyes, ease inflammation and help in improving blood circulation around the eyes.
They also help in movement of built up fluids around the eyes to ease any puffiness and tension in eye muscles. On the contrary, dry heat applied to the eyes can lead to drying of the tear film on the eyes.
One should exercise caution while using warm compresses in conditions like Pink eye and Red eye as the warmth may aggravate the condition by dilating blood vessels. Its better to wait for a few days to let the enlarged blood vessels constrict before applying warm compress in these conditions.
To be on a safer side, get your eyes examined by an eye doctor whenever you encounter an eye problem, before attempting to treat the condition on your own with this method.
While using warm compress on your eyes it is important to practice hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading. Warm compresses only help in relieving the symptoms that accompany eye problems and should never be used in place of the treatment suggested by your doctor. Here is a list of benefits of using warm compresses on your eyes.
Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes
There are many benefits of warm compress for eyes. Some of them are:
#1: Reduce Swelling
Reduce swelling is one of Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes. Warm compresses offer considerable relief from swelling that takes place in conditions like eye stye, blepharitis, dry eye and cellulitis.
The warmth applied to swollen eye area helps in drainage of the built up fluid and eases the pain that results from swelling in the eyes. Warm compresses for blepharitis help in reducing swelling on the eyelids and helps to get rid of the crusty debris that gets collected at the base of eye lashes.
#2: Alleviates soreness
Sore eyes can be caused by various factors such as allergies, infections, or fatigue. A warm compress can help to alleviate the soreness and provide relief.
#3: Manage Pain
Manage pain is one of Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes. Most eye problems and infections accompany eye pain. Warm compresses give relief from eye pain resulting from conditions such as eye fatigue, trauma, conjunctivitis, stye and blepharitis.
They help in relaxing sore tissues around the eyes and minimize any pain resulting from the inflammation on the eyelids.
#4: Curb Dryness
Curb dryness is one of Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes. Moist warm compresses help in dealing with dry eyes which is a symptom of most eye diseases. The dryness is caused by insufficient tear flow or oil release in the eyes.
Warm compresses for dry eyes improve the production of tears and other eye fluids which are necessary to keep the eyes healthy and clear.
#5: Improve Blood Circulation
Improve blood sirculation is one of Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes. Any strain on the eyes can hamper blood circulation in the eyes which may lead to vision problems including glaucoma.
Warm compresses help in improving blood circulation in the eyes. This makes the nutrients flow at a faster rate to improve eye health. An improved flow of nutrients to the eyes also helps in quicker healing of various eye conditions.
#6. Rejuvenate Muscles
Rejuvenate muscle is one of Benefits of Warm Compress on Eyes. Warm compresses instantly rejuvenate tired eyes by relaxing the muscles around the eyes. Many visual problems are caused by weak muscles around the eyes. Applying warm compresses around the eyes soothes any tension in the eye muscles and helps them move easily without any discomfort.
#7. Cleanse Eyes
Some eye conditions appear with watery or mucous discharge in the eyes which gets collected at the corners of the eyes or on the eyelids.
Applying warm compresses frequently controls the inflammation and gets rid of the dryness that leads to flow of discharge inside the eyes and also helps in preventing build up of discharge on the eyelids.
Sometimes, the discharge gets stuck in the eyelashes making it difficult to open the eyes. Applying warm water on the lashes helps in dissolving the crusty discharge to keep the eyes clean.
#8: Relieves eye strain
Spending long hours in front of screens or reading can cause eye strain. Using a warm compress can help to relieve the strain and soothe tired eyes.
#9: Eases headaches
Eye strain and tension headaches are often linked. Using a warm compress can help to ease the tension and reduce the frequency of headaches.
#10: Promotes relaxation
The warmth of the compress can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which is beneficial for overall health.
How to use a warm compress for eyes
Using a warm compress for eyes is easy and can be done at home. Here are the steps:
- Find a clean cloth or towel: The cloth or towel should be clean and soft. You can use a cotton ball, a washcloth or an eye mask.
- Soak the cloth in warm water: The water should be warm, but not hot. Make sure the cloth is completely soaked in water.
- Wring out excess water: Squeeze out any excess water from the cloth.
- Apply the compress to the eyes: Place the warm compress over the closed eyes and hold it there for 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat as necessary: You can repeat the process as necessary, but make sure to use a clean cloth each time.
FAQs about using warm compress for eyes
Q: How often should I use a warm compress for tired eyes?
A: You can use a warm compress as often as needed, but it is recommended to use it at least once a day.
Q: Can I use a warm compress if I wear contact lenses?
A: Yes, you can use a warm compress even if you wear contact lenses. However, make sure to remove your contacts before applying the compress.
Q: Can I use a microwave to warm up the compress?
A: No, it is not recommended to use a microwave to warm up the compress. The heat may not be evenly distributed, which can cause burns.
Q: Can I use a cold compress for tired eyes?
A: Yes, you can use a cold compress for tired eyes. Cold compresses can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Q: Can a warm compress help with dark circles?
A: Yes, a warm compress can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. The warmth of the compress can increase blood flow to the area and reduce the appearance of discoloration.
Bottom Line
Using a warm compress for eyes is an easy and effective way to reduce swelling, manage pain, improve blood circulation, rejuvenate muscles, cleanse the eyes, relieve eye strain, reduce dryness, alleviate soreness, ease headaches and promote relaxation.
It is a natural remedy that can be done at home and has many benefits. So, the next time you feel your eyes becoming tired, grab a clean cloth and try a warm compress. Your eyes will thank you for it.
