Hot and cold compresses have been used by eye care professionals for many years to treat various eye conditions ranging from allergies to dry eyes. The peculiarity of these treatments often deterred patients from using it. Doctors recommended heating typical heat retaining objects like potatoes and then wrapping it in a cloth for heat compresses. Similarly, cold was applied by wrapping frozen objects like vegetables in a cloth and then applying it.
There is no doubt that when these treatments were applied correctly, it worked well, but the sheer hassle rendered it obsolete. With the advent of the custom designed Eye Masks, we now have a practical solution offering both heat and cold compress solutions in an easy reusable package which retains either heat or cold more efficiently than all previous options.
Applied for 10 minutes at a time, the improvement seen in our practice has been remarkable!
Hot Mask
- Dry Eye Disease
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Recurrent Styes or Chalazions
- Computer Vision Syndrome
Cold Mask
- Eye Allergies (cool therapy provides instant relieve from itchy eyes)
- Following Eyelid/Oculoplastic surgery (cool therapy reduces swelling and inflammation around the eyelids and cheeks)
Sleep Mask
- The soft microfiber lining and gel beads are designed to comfortably mould around your closed eyelids preventing exposure of the eyeball and blocking light.
- Some individuals who suffer from dry eye disease actually have lagophthalmos (a slight opening of the eyelids during sleep). The Eye Mask will help keep the lids closed during sleep and prevent severe drying out of the eyes.
- The Eye Mask is ideal to use when trying to get some sleep on a long flight.
HOW TO HEAT AND USE THE EYE MASK
- Remove your mask from the convenient PVC travel bag.
- Place the mask flat on a clean microwave plate.
- With the microwave set at full power (usually 750-800W) heat the mask for 20 seconds.
- Remove the mask from the microwave and gently knead with your fingers, shifting the gel beads around to distribute the heat evenly.
- Test the temperature of the mask by feeling it on the back of your hand. The ideal temperature should be between 40-45 ℃ i.e. comfortably warm and should not burn the skin. Studies have shown that the ideal melting point for Meibum, the amazing lubricating oil in your tear film, is 42 ℃.
- If it is not quite warm enough, reheat the mask for a further 5-10 seconds.
- Place the warm mask over your closed eyelids. It may be gently secured around the head using the elasticated Velcro strap (optional). It should never be applied too tightly.
- Lay down and relax for 10 minutes. Enjoy the soothing effects of the mask as it creates a “mini sauna” around your eyes. The best results are attained by using the iMask for 10 minutes.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO REMOVE ANY FACIAL OR EYE MAKE-UP BEFORE APPLYING THE MASK AS THESE WILL DIRTY AND STAIN THE SOFT MICROFIBER LINING OF YOUR MASK.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO REMOVE YOUR CONTACT LENSES BEFORE USING THE MASK.
- After removing the mask, gently massage your top and bottom eyelids to unblock and express the tiny oil-producing tear glands that line your lids. Use the soft pads of your fingertips to gently stroke the entire length of the top lid downwards (starting under your brow and moving towards the lashes). Massage your lower eyelids upwards towards the lashes. Do this 10-15 times for each lid.
- It is quite normal to experience a slight blurring of vision afterwards as more oil has been expressed into your tear film. This usually clears within a few minutes. Prolonged and excessive blurry vision is an indication that the heated iMask was applied too tightly to your eyelids.
- Perform this ritual twice a day initially for the first 2 weeks. Then continue to do a warm lid massage using your iMask on a daily basis. Make this self-care warm lid massage part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
- If you suffer from chronic conditions like Dry Eye Disease &/or Blepharitis then it is best to use the heated mask daily. The best results are achieved through regular usage. The warm lid massage is a natural home remedy that is simple yet effective and is recommended by Ophthalmologists globally. The mask is intended as a complementary aid and can be used in conjunction with any medical treatment prescribed by your Eye Care Specialist.
HOW TO COOL AND USE THE EYE MASK
- The mask can be chilled by simply placing it in the freezer for approximately 2 hours or by placing it in the refrigerator until the desired temperature is achieved.
- Place the cold mask over your closed eyelids. It may be gently secured around the head using the elasticated Valcro strap (optional). It should never be applied too tightly.
- The cold mask can be used for 10 minute intervals. This can safely be repeated as often as you desire to relieve itching and reduce pain and swelling around the eyelids.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Simply wipe clean with mild detergent using a cloth or sponge when necessary.
NEVER machine wash or dry clean the mask
DO NOT use a hot iron on the mask.
DO NOT leave the mask in direct sunlight.
DO NOT pierce the mask with sharp objects.
Discard the mask if the gel beads and liquid contents are leaking.
The mask is reversible and can be used with either the soft microfiber lining or the PVC lining against the eyelid skin.
ALWAYS store the mask in the refrigerator between use. This will ensure the gel beads remain hydrated and prolong its lifespan.
To ensure hygienic practices, DO NOT share your mask with others.
Replace your mask annually.
THESE AWESOME MASKS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR PRACTICE!