Skip to main content
Yesnick 1000 Reviews Emblem Blk
Home » The Las Vegas Eye Care Blog » Warm Compresses Can Relieve Dry Eye

Warm Compresses Can Relieve Dry Eye

protect your eyes 640x350What Is Dry Eye?

Our tears are made up of water and oil layers. Dry eye (also known as dry eye syndrome) occurs when the eyelids’ meibomian glands do not secrete enough natural oil into the tears. This causes the eyes to become dry, itchy, red, and painful. Environmental conditions like dry or windy air, and staring at a screen or book for a long time, can also dry out your eyes.

Here’s What To Do About It

One of the best ways to make dry, irritated eyes feel refreshed is with a warm compress. A warm compress will open the oil glands and soften oil blockages, allowing oil to flow into the tears. Wet a clean washcloth or place it in a microwave for 20 seconds. Touch it to your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot, then place the compress on your closed eyelids for a few minutes while tilting your head back or reclining. When the compress cools, reheat and repeat.

Compresses slow the evaporation of tears. Their warm moisture provides relief by stabilizing the eyes’ tear film and improving the meibomian glands’ production of oil. With your eyes now hydrated and lubricated, they can also expel bacteria more efficiently.

Certain prescription eye drops also address dry eye, and steroids can provide relief. Others provide additional lubrication. Please consult with Dr. David Yesnick, who can recommend or prescribe the best drops for your eyes.

Other home remedies include:

  • An air filter to eliminate irritants
  • A humidifier to increase moisture in the air and decrease evaporation of your tears
  • Drinking water to stay hydrated
  • Wearing sunglasses to deflect ultraviolet rays and wind that dry the eyes

Please Keep the Following in Mind:

  • Don’t make the compresses or washcloths too hot.
  • Use a different compress for each eye to prevent spreading an infection between the eyes.
  • We recommend lightly cleaning with a swab or cloth, then wetting and wiping your eyelids several times each day. Doing so can prevent bacteria from entering your eyes.

If you are experiencing dry eye, please bring it to our attention. Untreated, dry eye can sometimes cause corneal abrasions or ulcers, inflammation, and even vision impairment.

At Yesnick Vision Center, Dr. David Yesnick will treat patients with dry eye from Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Henderson, and throughout Nevada.

References:

 


Book An Appointment
Call Us 702-500-0525

Book an Appointment


Reviews
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
6 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
1 week ago
- Robert T.
I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
2 weeks ago
- Yvonne R.
17 years they have given me the best of service. Everyone so friendly
2 weeks ago
- James D.
Everyone is so nice and helpful. My exams are always informative. The Dr. explains everything as he is going which I love.
2 weeks ago
- Sheryl R.