In a pinch, however, or if only a very small area of the eye lid requires heating (if there is a single blocked meibomian gland, for example), the rolled up corner of a damp wash cloth heated in the microwave, or placed under hot running water, is easy and effective.
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It can be difficult to control the temperature and amount of water in the wash cloth, and wash cloths cool quickly, requiring constant messy rewetting. The wash cloth is placed over the eyes for a prescribed amount of time, one or several times a day.Īlthough it is a simple and inexpensive method, the water in the wash cloth contains microorganisms, including bacteria, that can cause infection. The most common recommendation is using a damp wash cloth that is run under hot water or heated in the microwave for a short time, so that it is warm, not hot.
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There are many ways to perform effective warm compresses that require very little special equipment. In time, you may even look forward to these few moments of solitude as you take care of each precious, tiny meibomian glands. Turn on some music, say a prayer, or simply take a deep breath, close your eyes, and steady your mind while you are applying the compress. Warm compresses are not invasive or painful. Do not fret that this needs to be done daily. If you suffer from chronic blepharitis, evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), or other disease associated with meibomian glands, it is likely that you will need to perform warm compresses on a regular basis. Compresses that are too hot can cause scalding or burning. Overuse of compresses, too hot or too long, can cause irritation.
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Recent evidence suggests that warm compresses applied to eye lids with obstructed meibomian glands can exacerbate the condition.Ĭompresses should be applied as directed by your physician - not too long and not too hot. Warm compresses should only be performed if the meibomian glands are not obstructed by fibrous tissue, or other material, that can block the flow of liquefied meibum. Warm compresses also stimulates the production of meibum.Ĭompresses are applied to treat chalazion, an enlarged lump in the eye lid, caused by one or more engorged meibomian glands. Warm compresses loosen the scales and debris that can be found around the eye lashes, and also help to liquefy meibum, so it can flow out of the meibomian glands and onto the surface of the eye. Important new book about Dry Eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction.