06/02/2026
Ever been told to use warm or cool compresses and wondering when the right time for each of them is? Let's figure it out!
Warm compresses are great for styes or chalazions, dry eyes, and/or crusty eyes. Heat helps draw out infections as well as soften hardened oils that may be blocking the eyelid gland. For dryness, heat helps melt oil for better flow from the meibomian glands, which helps your tears from evaporating too quickly. Heat also helps soften and loosen any discharge and mattering around lashes when you have crusty eyes.
Cool compresses are best for allergies, puffiness or swelling, and/or acute irritation. Cold can help calm itchy and watery eyes caused by allergens. It also constricts blood vessels which helps reduce swelling from fatigue, crying, or fluid retention. Cold also aids in relief from burning, redness, and/or minor trauma and bruising.
If you find yourself exhibiting symptoms listed, give some compresses a try!
