Instructions for Heat Mask, Eyelid Wipes and Lubricants

80% of patients have “evaporative dry eye” whereby the tearfilm is unstable, the tears evaporate quickly, and the surface of the eye becomes dessicated. 

The tearfilm can be improved by increasing the flow of oils from the eyelid margin; and the dry eye can be improved by the use of lubricants.

  

Heat mask: twice a day for about 5-7 days when symptomatic then once a day for maintenance.

Use the “I-Relief” eye mask twice a day for about 5-7 days when symptomatic - e.g. if you have any of the following symptoms: sore, tired eyes that may be gritty, painful, sensitive, red, burning, inflamed, or generally uncomfortable; or eyelids which may be inflamed, itchy, sticky, or encrusted with debris and secretions. When symptoms subside, then use the eye mask once a day for about 5-7 days; then once a day or alternate days for maintenance thereafter.

There are oil glands, called Meibomian glands, which are finger-like projections into the eyelid from the eyelid margin. Like melting butter in a frying pan, the heat mask will loosen the thick viscous oils in the Meibomian glands inside the eyelid. This will allow the oils to flow better and run more smoothly towards the eyelid margin. There are about 20-40 openings of these glands on the eyelid margin – just behind the eyelash line.

 

Eyelid Wipes: every single time that the heat mask is used, or as a cleanser, or makeup remover.

Immediately, after heating up the eyelid with the “I-Relief” eye mask, use the “I-Lid ‘n Lash” (or “I-Lid ‘n Lash Plus”) eyelid wipes. These special wipes are impregnated with a gentle, soothing, and hydrating cleanser for eyelids and eyelashes (the “I-Lid ‘n Lash Plus” also contains tea tree oil with antioxidant and antiseptic properties). Gently rub the eyelids and eyelash roots with these pre-soaked wipes in a circular motion until all debris is removed. Any remaining cleanser need not be rinsed off (it will simply act as a moisturiser & lubricant so it does not matter if some goes in the eye). Repeat for the second eye using a clean wipeThe wipes will knock the heads off the Meibomian gland orifices once the oils have been heated up by the heat mask.

Then the natural Meibomian gland oils will flow out of the eyelid margin onto the ocular surface and polish the cornea with every blink - one thousand times per hour!

The natural oil layer will coat the tear film and reduce evaporation of tears.

Tear supplements (“dry eye drops” or “lubricants”) will hydrate the ocular surface and provide immediate and lasting relief.

 

Lubricating Eyedrops: 3-4 times a day or every hour if necessary.

The preservative-free hyaluronate eyedrops are the best type of lubricant for the eye. They provide prolonged relief from discomfort due to irritations from exposure to wind, sun, air conditioning, or other irritants (e.g. glaucoma eyedrops). They are also contact lens compatible.

They can be used after the eyelid wipes or whenever the eye is uncomfortable. Most patients use the drops about 3-4 times a day, but they can be used every hour if necessary.