A SPA TREATMENT FOR YOUR EYES

Why do my eyes burn and tear?

Each eyelid contains about twenty oil glands that run vertically in the eyelid. And each oil gland has a small opening along the eyelid margin next to where your eyelash is attached to the eyelid. These are very small openings and you really can't see them without a microscope. The oil from these oil glands spread out over the front of the eyeball and helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. If these oil glands are not producing the proper amount and proper quality of oil, the tears can dry out between blinks causing a dry feeling, burning, and irritated eye. If the eye becomes dry enough, you have another tear gland that releases "crying" tears to try to compensate for the dryness. But the result is overcompensation so your eyes become watery. The watery eye however, is a result of dry eye.

What can be done about it?

These instructions are designed to help you get relief from dry eyes as a result of clogged oil glands.

Step 1. Warm compresses

Soak a washcloth in warm water and lay it gently over your closed eyes. Be careful to use warm water and not hot as your eyelid skin and tissue is very thin and delicate. Leave the warm compress there for 3-5 minutes. Warm water will help melt the oils while cold water will just harden the oils, so don't let the warm compress cool off. Soak it in warm water as needed to keep it warm.

Step 2. Eyelid massage

Next massage your eyelids in a downward motion for the top eyelids and an upward motion for the bottom eyelids. Remember that the oil gland opening is next to your eyelashes so you want to massage the oils toward your eyelashes toward these openings.

Step 3. Eye lid scrubs

To clean the eyelid margin - wrap the clean warm damp washcloth around your finger. Close the eye and gently rub the washcloth wrapped finger over the base of the eyelashes 10 times for each eye.

When should I do this?

It is best to do this spa treatment for your eyes twice a day, in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before going to bed. Make this a part of your natural eyelid hygiene. After about 1 to 2 months, your eyes will feel better. Keep up this routine to help maintain healthy eyes.

Best regards,

Dr. Yeh & Staff
All About Eyes Optometry