Use of Eye Products
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses are a safe, natural, and effective way to care for your eyes. They help relieve dry eyes, treat styes, manage blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), open up blocked oil glands, and improve overall eyelid hygiene.
Your optometrist may recommend daily warm compresses as part of your eye care routine.
Recommended Compresses: Bruder or Optase Eye Compresses
Directions
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Wash your hands with soap and water.
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If using a microwavable mask:
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Heat as directed (usually 10–20 seconds in microwave). If not hot enough, heat in additional 5 second increments. Do not heat for longer than 30 seconds. Use a paper towel under the mask to keep it clean.
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Test the compress on your hand or wrist to ensure it is not too hot. If it is too hot, wait 30-60 seconds before applying it to your eyes.
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Place over your closed eyes. It should not be applied tightly and can be used with or without the strap.
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Leave in place for 10-20 minutes.
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Re-warm the mask if it cools down. Cut the reheating time by half.
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Do not use the compress for longer than 25 minutes in one sitting.
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After use, gently massage your eyelids with clean fingers to express clogged oils.
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Optionally, follow with a lid wipe or gentle eyelid cleanser to remove debris, as described below. An artificial tear may be used as well.
How Often Should I Use Warm Compresses?
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1–2 times daily, or as recommended by your eye doctor.
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For chronic conditions, regular use is key to long-term relief.
Cleaning of the Compress
1. Wash the compress if exposed to make-up, creams, oils, grease, or food.
2. Handwash only in cold water with a mild detergent. Air-dry it for at least 24 hours before use.
3. If used daily, consider replacing the compress after 6 months.
4. Do not use any compress that its terribly soiled or damaged in any way.
Helpful Tips
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Always test the temperature of the compress before applying to avoid burns.
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A tissue or special face shield can be used between the mask and the face to prevent the mask from getting soiled easily.
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After the treatment, you may experience momentary blurred vision. It will clear in a few minutes as your tear glands are releasing new tears.
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Use in combination with other treatments like lid scrubs or eye drops, as prescribed.
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After use, let the compress dry. They store in a place where it will be safe and free from dirt and environmental allergens.
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Compresses can be purchased at our office or dryeyerescue.com.
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Most people tolerate warm compresses well.
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Stop use and contact your optometrist if you experience burning, swelling, or worsening symptoms.
When to Call Your Optometrist
Contact our office if:
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A stye becomes very painful, swollen, or does not improve in a few days.
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Your symptoms worsen or you develop vision changes.
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You have frequent flare-ups of dry eye or blepharitis.
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You are unsure which treatment routine is right for you.
Using warm compresses regularly can improve your comfort and protect your vision—naturally and effectively.
Talk to your optometrist for personalized advice and to make sure warm compresses are right for your eye condition.
Questions? Concerns? Call our office or schedule a visit to learn more.
Lid Wipes
Keeping your eyelids clean is an important part of eye health, especially if you have conditions like eye allergies, dry eyes, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), styes, or demodex. Over-the-counter eyelid wipes are pre-moistened pads made to gently clean the skin around your eyes, particularly the eyelid margins (where the eyelashes grow). They help remove oil, dirt, debris, makeup residue, dead skin cells, bacteria and allergens. Your optometrist may also recommend lid hygiene before or after eye procedures (like LASIK or cataract surgery).
There are many brands and ingredients in each lid wipe, so ask our optometrists if the ones that you are using are right for you.
Recommended Products
General Eyelid Hygiene Allergies Demodex
Directions
Before You Begin
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Make sure the wipe is individually sealed and not dried out.
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Open the wipe packet and remove one wipe.
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Close your eye gently.
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Wipe along the upper and lower eyelid, moving from the inner corner (near your nose) to the outer corner.
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Use gentle, circular or sweeping motions.
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Focus on the lash line, where oil and debris often build up.
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If needed, repeat on the other eye using a new wipe to avoid cross-contamination.
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Do not rinse unless the product instructions say otherwise.
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Dispose of the wipe in the trash (not in the toilet).
How Often Should I Use Lid Wipes?
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As recommended by your eye doctor—usually once or twice daily.
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Some people use them in the morning to clear overnight buildup or before bed to remove makeup and allergens.
Helpful Tips
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Be consistent: Use the wipes daily if managing a chronic condition.
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Avoid rubbing too hard: Use a light touch to avoid irritating the eyes.
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Don't share wipes: Use a fresh, individual wipe each time.
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Store sealed wipes in a cool, dry place to prevent drying out.
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Most people tolerate lid wipes well. Occasionally, some may experience mild stinging or tingling (especially with tea tree oil products) and dryness or redness (if overused or allergic to ingredients)
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Stop use and contact your optometrist if you experience burning, swelling, or worsening symptoms.
When to Contact Your Optometrist
Contact our office if:
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You are unsure which product is right for you.
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You have persistent irritation, redness, or blurred vision.
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You think you may have an eye infection.
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You do not notice improvement with regular use.
Lid wipes are a convenient and effective way to maintain good eyelid hygiene. With regular use and proper technique, they can help reduce irritation, dryness, and the risk of eyelid-related problems.
Questions? Concerns? Call our office or schedule a visit to learn more.
