Warm Compresses and the Risks of Elevated Corneal Temperature With Massage

Abstract

These data show that WC use for lid warming, even when only minimal contact pressure is applied, also transfers significant heat to the cornea. Corneal temperatures reach peak temperature after about 8 minutes of WC application. Recent reports discussing the increased potential for transient and long-term corneal molding subsequent to the heat and pressure of WC application are briefly reviewed.

Effects of Eyelid Warming Devices on Tear Film Parameters in Normal Subjects and Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

“…[31][32][33] Moreover, warm compress therapy with a towel and massage is associated with the risk of an elevated corneal temperature. 34 Together, these various observations suggest that wet warming may be less effective than non-wet warming for warming of the eyelids.…”

Treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye symptoms with a single-dose vectored thermal pulsation

“…Warm compresses do not evacuate stagnated gland contents but, if appropriately administered, they have the ability to warm the gland contents [20] and do offer some therapeutic value [21,22]. Unfortunately, there is no standard warm compress method but even if one existed, the limitations and safety concerns of heating the external lid surface with the intent of heating the meibomian glands cannot be overcome with even the most optimal warm compress technique [23,24].…”

Eye rubbing type and prevalence including contact lens ‘removal‐relief’ rubbing

“…Corneal changes in response to contact lens wear may increase susceptibility to rubbing‐related trauma. In addition, susceptibility to rubbing‐related mechanisms for corneal trauma may be exacerbated when there is heating and massage of unprotected eyes in the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction . The development of keratoconus in grafted eyes has been a rare occurrence in eyes transplanted for keratoconus .…”

“…In addition, susceptibility to rubbing-related mechanisms for corneal trauma may be exacerbated when there is heating and massage of unprotected eyes in the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction. 23,24 The development of keratoconus in grafted eyes has been a rare occurrence in eyes transplanted for keratoconus. 22 It is possible that such cases of development of keratoconus are, at least partly, a consequence of post-graft exposure to environmental factors, such as rubbing and associated trauma to a cornea involved in surgery-related wound healing.…”