Got eye issues? A cold compress is a simple, accessible way to get some relief.
Applying a cold compress to your eyes can provide immediate relief from inflammation, swelling, and pain. It’s a great way to soothe tired eyes, ease the discomfort of eye allergies, or manage the symptoms of pinkeye.
Read on to learn how a cold compress on eyes can help and how to make one at home.
What is a Cold Eye Compress?
A cold compress is really just a cloth or small pack that you put on your skin to cool it down.
Cold compresses work by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area. This helps to alleviate swelling and inflammation. The cold also slows down your cells’ metabolism, further reducing inflammation.
It’s important to use a compress instead of just sticking ice directly on your skin. Direct ice application can be too harsh and can even cause frostbite. Always use a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin.
Benefits of cold compresses for the eyes
A cold compress isn’t a cure-all, but it can be soothing and helpful in certain situations.
Dry eye disease
If you’re having a dry eye flare-up, a cold compress can help you manage some of the symptoms. Keeping your eyelids clean is also important in managing dry eye. Experts recommend regular eyelid hygiene, including warm and cold compresses, to keep symptoms at bay.
There are other steps you can take to feel better, too, such as using a humidifier, wearing sunglasses in windy environments, and following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to give your eyes a break.
Eye allergies
A cold compress can offer some relief if you’re suffering from eye allergies by reducing inflammation and itching.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
A cold compress can soothe the symptoms of pink eye, but it won’t cure the infection. If you have pink eye, you should talk with your healthcare provider about a prescription medication to treat it.
Tired eyes
Have your eyes been feeling tired, irritated, or puffy? A cold compress can help.
Just apply the compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to reduce puffiness and boost circulation.
When to Use Cold vs. Warm Compresses
Cold and warm compresses affect blood flow in opposite ways. Cold compresses reduce blood flow. Warm compresses increase blood flow.
Warm compresses can help your oil glands work better. For this reason, eye doctors often recommend them for people with blepharitis (inflamed eyelids) or meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands).
Sometimes, alternating between warm and cold compresses can be helpful. For example, you might use a warm compress every day but switch to a cold compress when your symptoms flare up.
Ultimately, the choice between cold and warm compresses depends on your specific eye condition and your symptoms. If you aren’t sure, ask your eye doctor for medical advice.
How to apply a cold compress
To make a cold compress, you can wrap ice in a towel. Or, you can use a clean facecloth soaked in cool water. Wring out the excess water so it doesn’t drip.
Apply the compress gently to your closed eyelids, making sure to cover the whole area. It’s important to keep a layer of cloth between the compress and your skin. This will help you avoid frostbite and skin damage.
Hold the compress in place for around 20 minutes at a time. You can reapply the compress every couple of hours to reduce swelling. Continue this on-and-off pattern for about three days.
Remember, the compress shouldn’t be so cold that it causes pain or discomfort. If it hurts, take it off!
Other Cold Compress Options
If you want a cold compress that’s a little easier to use, you can try a commercially available gel mask. These masks can be stored in the freezer and offer long-lasting cooling.
Some companies make masks specifically for eye care, such as the Rescue hydrogel cold compress mask from CorneaCare.
These options are convenient and effective if you don’t want to make your own compress.
Final Thoughts
A cold compress can be a simple, effective way to find relief from a variety of eye conditions, from allergies to styes. However, a cold compress is not a substitute for medical care. If your eye symptoms don’t improve or get worse, consult with an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.