Are you using the best hot compress? 👀

James Sutton

Not all hot/cold compresses are the same. 

Heat treatments such as eye masks and goggles can improve blepharitis by gently warming the oily liquid in the glands. Combined with lid massage afterwards, this helps to release the oils and improve the quality of the tears. Many were developed by ophthalmologists and can be re-used hundreds of times. 

In principle they all perform the same job but how they are heated varies and some have additional features or benefits. Things to look out for include:

 

Antibacterial fabric

Sterileyes is a patented technology that is permanently bound to the fabric fibres of a compresses and clinically proven to give 99.99% protection* against potentially harmful bacteria.  This is particularly important as bacteria are not eradicated by microwaving.

A removable and washable cover

Despite your best efforts, repeated use means an eye masks can become grubby and soiled. To help maintain hygiene and the life of the product a cover that can be removed to enable it to be washed** is ideal.

How hot is ideal?

The optimal temperature has been demonstrated to be between 40-45°C***. This heat should be sustained for a period of 10-20 minutes in order to soften or melt the meibum which may be clogging the gland ducts. These oils mix with tears to create a healthier lipid layer and tear film, to relieve dry eye signs and symptoms. 

Why choose moist heat?

Unlike grain or seed filled products, self-hydrating BodyBeads absorb water molecules from the air and release them as moist-heat when microwaved. This moist-heat penetrates deeper into the eyelids, helping to liquify the oil in meibomian glands more effectively. 

How to heat your mask

Most masks are heated in a microwave for around 20 seconds (always check the instructions and the power of your microwave). Some can now also be heated in the oven or are instantly chemically activated.

*Independent laboratory testing on behalf of the Eye Doctor. Feb 19. The test material demonstrated a greater than 99.99% reduction in the recovered S. Aureus and Ps. Aeruginosa. 

**A mild, non-biological detergent is advised.

***Bitton E, Lacroix Z, Léger S. In-vivo heat retention comparison of eyelid warming masks. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 39 (2016) 311–315 

What the experts say

Dr Hilary Jones, Medical Broadcaster, GP: 
"With any healthcare products applied to the skin, especially over the eyes and face, there is always the danger of bacterial cross-contamination". 

Dr Hilary Jones qualified from the Royal Free Hospital medical school in 1976 spending two years in postgraduate posts at that hospital in general medicine and surgery, oncology, intensive care and accident and emergency. He has also worked as a Senior House Officer in Ophthalmology before entering General Practice assisting in Glaucoma and Cataract extraction procedures.

Eye Doctor Premium

The great thing about the Eye Doctor range is it offers a solution for everyone and the Eye Doctor Premium covers all the points mentioned above and more. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Eye Doctor Premium Hot & Cold Compress.

Antibacterial Protection

Bacteria are not eradicated in the microwave and so the Eye Doctor patented Sterileyes® antibacterial technology is a must for patient hygiene. Sterileyes is permanently bound to the fabric fibres and clinically proven to give 99.99% protection against harmful ocular pathogens.

Meets BS8433:2004****

The Eye Doctor compresses are Class 1 medical devices and are unique in meeting the British Standard for microwavable personal warmers. Part of this compliance is the clearly legible instruction label sewn onto the product.  

BodyBeads® self-hydrating technology

Unlike grain or seed filled products, BodyBeads absorb moisture from the air to deliver moist heat that penetrates deeper into the eyelids. 

Effective heat performance

Clinically proven to deliver the optimal temperature profile* so you can be confident of safety and efficacy. (approx. 45-degrees C for 20-minutes) 

Washable cover

The BodyBeads are contained in an internal bag meaning the cover, that comes into contact with the eyes, can be washed. This maintains the life of the compress should it become soiled. A storage bag further helps to keep things clean. 

Odourless

When compared to seeds/grains, BodyBeads are odourless when heated repeatedly.  

Adjustable for comfort

The adjustable comfort strap enables the compress to be used whilst sitting upright. 

Can be used both hot and cold

If required the mask can also be cooled in the freezer for cooling refreshment.  

Safe to heat in the oven

Not everyone has a microwave so it is good to know The Eye Doctor has been tested to prove oven safety. 

British made

The Eye Doctor is UK owned and manufactured.  

****What does BS8433:2004 mean for you? 

The essential requirements are to have rigorously tested heating, as well as having instructions that are clear and easy to follow in a defined font size. There must also be labels sewn into the product itself so your patients know precisely what to do should they lose the instruction leaflet. 

Independent testers really pushed things to the limit and instead of microwaving at 1000W for the recommended 30 seconds they continued the heating for 20 minutes.  

When this was repeated with a grain/seed filled mask, the test had to be stopped after 7.5 minutes for safety reasons as the room filled with black acrid smoke and to prevent damage to the microwave. You can see the results for yourself below.

The Eye Doctor compresses are rigorously tested

Eye Doctor product range

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Expert advice

"As an optometrist with a family history of macular degeneration, I am keen to source the widest range of products for eye health, dry eyes and blepharitis”

James Sutton (MCOptom)
Founder of Butterflies Eyecare

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