Cold compresses can eliminate eye discomfort, and you can make them yourself

Cold compresses are used to alleviate a number of health problems, including various eye problems, and their advantage is that they are available to everyone and cheaper than medical preparations.

Cold eye compresses are a safe and effective home remedy for any eye discomfort. People use them to alleviate a number of health problems, including eye problems. A cold compress can relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain and dryness, and can help people with dry eyes, conjunctivitis and eye pain. Because cold compresses constrict blood vessels, they can also improve the condition of dark circles under the eyes and the discomfort of swollen eyes.

How can a cold compress help the eyes?

Cold compresses can alleviate the symptoms of various eye problems, especially those that do not require further medical help. Among the most common problems are dry eye, red eyes, conjunctivitis, eye pain, dark under-eye bags, bags under the eyes…

Dry eye

Dry eye is recognized by symptoms such as itching, scratching or burning in the eye. They develop when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough moisture. Doctors often advise people with dry eyes to use eye drops, also known as artificial tears. However, a study from 2013 showed that the use of cold compresses can be effective, just like artificial tears. Apart from being cheaper, it is also a natural treatment option.

Conjunctivitis or pinkeye

Allergies or eye infections can often cause an eye condition called pinkeye or conjunctivitis. It usually improves on its own, the eyes are then sensitive to light, and vision is blurred, but until the condition calms down, it can cause a feeling in the eyes:

• scratching and feeling that eyes are “burning”
• feeling “sand in the eyes”
• itching
• teary eyes.

Using a cold compress can relieve swelling and redness associated with conjunctivitis. Before putting the coating on the problematic eye, make sure that it is perfectly clean and, of course, it needs to be washed after each use. If a person feels great pain in the eyes, produces more mucus and tears than usual and is more sensitive to light, he should see a doctor immediately.

Pain in the eyes

Many things can cause eye pain, including:

• a foreign object in the eye
• allergy or infection
• contact lens irritation
• injury
• cysts or lumps around the eyelid

Applying a cold compress on the affected eye or both eyes for 15 minutes can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If the pain is the result of something in the eye, it is important that you do not rub or press on the eye. Instead, the eye should be gently rinsed with water. If eye pain is caused by exposure to chemicals, the eyes should be rinsed with water and seek emergency medical attention.

Dark under-eye bags and bags under the eyes

Some people are more likely to get dark under-eye circles, most often older adults, white-skinned people, as well as those with a genetic predisposition to under-eye circles.

Dark circles under the eyes can also occur due to:

• dermatitis
• aging
• smoking
• rubbing his eyes
• pollen fever
• fatigue
• dehydration.

A cold compress can help in this case by reducing the blood vessels under the eyes, thus reducing the appearance of dark skin and swelling.

How to make cold compresses at home

Using household items will easily make a cold compress, and there are several options you can try.

Cold towel or cloth

Cold compresses can be made from a cold towel if you follow these steps:

• Wet a clean cotton dishcloth or small towel under water and wring it out so that the cloth stays moist
• fold the towel / cloth into a square shape
• put the folded cloth in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes
• take the frozen cloth out of the bag and apply it gently on the eyes.

Cold compress

Making ice packs includes the following steps:

• put ice in a resealable plastic bag
• gently break the ice into small pieces
• wrap the closed ice bag with a clean dishcloth / towel and apply to the eyes if necessary

Frozen food packaging

Wraps can also be made from frozen food:

• use frozen vegetables such as peas, corn or chopped mixed vegetables
• pour a small amount into a resealable plastic bag
• cover the bag with a clean cloth / towel and apply to the eyes

How to use a cold compress

Everything that goes on the face, especially on the eyes, must be put on gently. Cold compresses are placed on the closed eye or eyes and the injury lasts for 15 minutes. If necessary, the treatment can be repeated every few hours. It is important that ice is never applied directly to the skin, or that the ice pack stays on the eyes for too long – no longer than 20 minutes to avoid frostbite.