How to Make a Warm Compress for Blepharitis/ Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

   The warm compress is central to my and many other people’s management of their Blepharitis or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) symptoms. It loosens the oil inside the glands, releasing moisture into the eye and controlling that pesky “sand in eyes” feeling. BUT, what is the best way to do a warm compress?!
 
The goals of any warm compress technique are:

• Time: it’s a daily routine, so minimal set-up time is critical
• Hygiene: I already have sensitive eyes, I don’t need more eye infections!
• Consistent Temperature: Needs to stay warm for about 7-10 minutes
• Cost: Blepharitis is chronic and I’ll be doing this daily, so please don’t also cost me an arm and a leg!

 
Method 1: Warm Compress With a Face Cloth and Hot Running Water
 
In 2003 when I first started having issues, this is the only technique advised by my doctors, and it was completely useless! Having a tap running was stressful and a waste of water and electricity, so I would rush through the treatment. My taps temperature would fluctuate so I could never get a consistent temperature. I won’t analyse pro’s and cons on this one, just don’t do it!
 
Method 2: Warm Compress With a Microwaveable Eye Bag (with flaxseeds)
 
I then discovered microwaveable eye bags, and used those for 2 years. The model I used was MGDRx below, which contains Flaxseeds and requires just 40 seconds in the microwave before you can get started. So it's the flaxseeds that get heated and retain the warmth.
­­­
Pro’s:

• Consistent Temperature: When the bag is new, the temperature really does last and is incredibly even
• Time: The bag needed just 40 seconds in the microwave, and in no time I was back in bed with my eye bag rested on my eyes, gently plotting my day ahead. No more drama of a running tap ruining my peace!

 
Con’s:

• Hygiene: The bag get’s visibly dirty over time, and I would become uncomfortable putting those exact same sections of cloth on my eyelids. I couldn’t find any cleaning instructions from the manufacturer (maybe that’s changed), and as a last resort I attempted putting it in the washing machine once, bad idea!! The flaxseeds inside didn’t take well to this and hardened up rendering the bag obsolete.
• Cost: It’s not cheap at $22 a pop, and since you can’t clean it, you’ve gotta replace it! In addition, the flaxseeds become less effective at retaining heat over time, so you’ll have to re-up one way or another. I struggle to recall how long I could make an eye bag last, but I suspect maybe 2 months or 3 at most (with twice daily use).

I personally no longer recommend the microwaveable eye bag, but with Blepharitis different things work for different people. And if you are going to try it, MGDRx is well constructed and an established brand. Links to where you can find these are below (the Amazon UK link is on the left, Amazon US link is on the right)

Amazon UK - The Eye Doctor Microwaveable Eye Mask

Amazon US - The Eye Doctor Microwaveable Eye Mask

​Method 3: Face Cloth but with a cup of hot water, instead of running water!
 
I was on a business trip and as it happens in most hotels didn’t have access to a microwave!! I was distraught and thinking ah damn back to the face cloth. The water coming out of the sink was hot but fluctuated so I was struggling to get consistent heat. Then the simplest solution came to me, why not heat some water in the kettle and put it in a coffee mug?!
 
I did that, got the mug to a decent temperature, folded my face cloth in half and then another half, and started dipping two opposite corners in the cup simultaneously, so that I’d create one hot patch for each eye. It worked brilliantly, and so much that I ditched the expensive eye-bag, and bought like 20 face cloths for a buck each, so that I could just use a new one whenever I pleased.
 
Pro’s:

• Hygiene: I can use a new face cloth every day if I want, but I find it’s ok to change it every two or three days. This really beats going 2 or 3 months putting the same and now smelly eye bag on my eyes!
• Consistent Temperature: By using a big enough mug, I can get a big enough body of water to a good temperature so that it stays hot/ warm throughout my 7-10 minute window. I dip the cloth quickly so the interruption is so brief theres no impact.
• Time: I just heat the mug of water in the microwave for 2 minutes (don’t follow me though, heat to the temperature that works for you), take a seat at my kitchen stool and get started.
• Cost: This practically free! I just throw the flannels in the laundry with everything else, and rarely have to buy new ones.
• Moisture: This is a bonus pro. I did find the eye bag would sometimes leave my eyes feeling dry. With the face cloth, maybe because of the steam/mist from the water, this is not a problem for me anymore.
• Flexibility: Another bonus point! When I’m on holiday/ a business trip, no microwave = no problem. Just show me the kettle!

 
Con’s:

• Convenience: Can be inconvenient to have to re-dip the cloth, not as simple as just lying back as you can with the eye bags.

A simple facecloth like the ones below would be good enough.

Amazon US - Washcloth / Face Towel

Update: Method 5: Electric Eye Mask

Now this is something fairly new that A LOT of people seem to be having positive results with! I'm super excited to try this and will let you know when I do. I expect the main benefits to be:

-  a removable cover thats washable
- constant heat through constant power
- no messing around with prep, just flip the switch.

See my initial thoughts from unboxing here. Links to where you can find this are below (the Amazon UK link is on the left, Amazon US link is on the right)

Amazon UK - Aroma Season Eye Mask

Amazon US - Aroma Season Eye Mask

 
Conclusion

If Blepharitis has taught me anything, it's that everyone is unique, and different things work for different people so experiment with different options for yourself.

​That said I clearly personally prefer Method 3 for now which I still use since the last 2 years or so. I started basic, complicated things, and then went back to basics with a small but MAJOR improvement! Seems like a metaphor for life!
 
What do you use? What has worked for you? Please let me know in the comments!!

Note: I’m not a medical doctor, and so none of my content including that shown here is to be taken as medical advice. I’m a fellow sufferer sharing what has worked for me! Please speak to your doctor or other appropriate medical professional for medical advice.