Warm Compress and Eyelid Hygiene Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Warm Compress 1. A warm object such as a hardboiled egg or a micro-waved potato wrapped in a clean wash cloth can be used for the warm compress. 2. Test the temperature of the object on the back of your hand before applying to the eyelid. 3. Do NOT apply if you find the object to be too hot for your skin. 4. Take care not to burn your skin – do not over heat the object. 5. Keep your eyes closed and then apply the warm object to the affected eyelid(s) for 15 minutes, doing the same procedure 2-3 times a day. 6. The warm compress aims to loosen any material stuck to your eyelashes and softens the oil gland secretions to allow better flow.
Eyelid Hygiene 1. After the warm compress, keep the eye closed and remove debris by gently scrubbing the eyelid margin targeting especially at the base of the lashes. 2. Clean off the debris with a moist Q-tip, cotton wool ball, wash cloth, or a pre-moistened eye scrub pad (available at most pharmacies). 3. To clean the lower eyelid, look up then clean the eyelid margin using a side-to-side motion to loosen the debris at the lashes. 4. To clean the upper eyelid, look down and repeat the same procedure. 5. Complete the cleaning process by a smooth sweeping motion in one direction to remove all debris.
Useful Tips for Dry, Irritated Eyes 1. Avoid dry, windy, smoky or dusty areas such as those near air-conditioner vents. These areas may further dry out and irritate your eyes. 2. Consider wearing tinted, antireflective spectacles with broad side frames when you are outdoors on windy days. 3. Try to blink more frequently when doing prolonged visual tasks such as reading or working on the computer to prevent the eyes from drying up. 4. A humidifier may be helpful to increase the moisture level in your home especially in a dry, airconditioned place. 5. Using artificial tear drops regularly can relieve dry eye sensation. This can be purchased at pharmacies directly or prescribed by your eye doctor.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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