Heated eye masks can be safe if used properly, However, there are some precautions that should be taken to ensure that they are used safely.
First, it is important to make sure that the eye mask is not too hot before placing it on the eyes. If the mask is too hot, it can cause burns or other injuries to the skin around the eyes. It is also important to use the eye mask for the recommended amount of time, as using it for too long can also cause burns or other injuries.
Finding the right temperature, how long to use it for and how often to use it are three important aspects to keep in mind when using this type of device.
How hot should the heated eye mask be?
According to a study in the National Library of medicine, using a warm compress with a temperature of around 113˚F (45˚C), held on the eye for at least 4 minutes, may be an effective treatment for dry eye.
Knowing the amount of heat you need can be tricky at first. It really comes down to what you and your eyes can tolerate, more importantly which temperature is safe to use. Anything less than what is recommended might not be warm enough to benefit your dry eye condition but anything higher could potentially be harmful.
This was one of the main reasons I switched over from using a microwavable eye mask to an electric heated eye mask. There was no way to measure the temperature accurately. Most suggest heating microwave eye masks on high for 30-60 seconds but how do I know whether it's too hot or not hot enough? Warm washcloths are even a higher risk to damage your eyes or skin. Having multiple temperature settings to choose from on an electric eye mask is a great feature, this way it's easy to know the exact heat that you are using. It also allows you to play around with the device and find a comfortable warmth that suits your needs. Personally, I use a bit more of a higher heat since my symptoms are considered a little more severe but I also have 20 years of practice under my belt and I know what my eyes can tolerate. When in doubt, consult with your doctor first to see what works best.
How long should you use the eye mask for?
This depends on the reason you are using the it. Even though its primary use is for dry eyes and blepharitis, it can also be used if you are experiencing tired or puffy eyes as well. Heck, it's even a great device to use if you are just looking to relax after a long day in front of a laptop. Sometimes I will use my heated mask for 30 minutes just for this reason but I prefer not to use the highest heat because I'm simply using it to relax my eyes. When I’m using it to treat my Blepharitis, 10 minutes is a sufficient amount of time to unclog my Meibomian glands and reduce the inflammation. To be safe, start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase the heat until you reach the desired temperature. You can begin with 5 minutes and work your way up to 10 minutes, especially If you are using an electric eye mask for the first time.
How Often Should You Use a Heated Eye Mask?
Cleaning our eyes can certainly be a time-consuming task. It often feels like a chore and something we dread doing more often than not, however, the consequence of not cleaning our eyes regularly can be damaging to our overall eye health.
The main problem ( you may be able to relate as well) is that our eyes will begin to feel dry and irritated. This usually happens if I go 5 or 6 days without cleaning them with lid wipes. Sometimes the redness around the rim of my eyelids may also get worse. Eyelashes falling out is also a common symptom of Blepharitis and can get worse if you avoid regular eye scrubs. What works best for me is to clean them every 2nd or 3rd day. I find that if I keep this schedule, I am less likely to have flare-ups and my symptoms are more manageable.
Always consult with a doctor if you are unsure.