Ice packs are a secure and efficient at-home remedy for
ocular discomfort. They can cure many illnesses, including conditions of the
eyes, and are easy to make with everyday household items. People who suffer
from dry eyes, pinkeye, or eye pain can relieve symptoms such as swelling,
pain, and dryness by applying an ice pack.
By narrowing blood vessels, ice packs minimize the
appearance of dark circles and ease the pain associated with puffy eyes. Using
a warm compress to treat eye problems may be beneficial. Over-the-counter (OTC)
and prescription eye drops are also available. Discover the benefits of using
an ice pack for eyes, conditions it can treat, how to make one, and things to
consider before using one.
Here Are The 7 Benefits of Using Ice Pack For Eyes
Many eye conditions can benefit from ice packs, particularly
those that don't need medical attention.
1- Dry Eye
The National Eye Institute (NEI) states that millions of
Americans yearly suffer from dry eye. Among the signs and symptoms are:
- A burning, itchy, or scratchy sensation in the eye
- Scarlet eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Hazy vision
Dry eye occurs surely when the tear glands do not secrete
enough moisture. Doctors often prescribe over-the-counter eye drops, also
called artificial tears, to patients with dry eyes. However, a 2013 study found
that applying an ice pack is equally helpful as using fake tears. Not only is
it a less expensive choice, but it is also a natural therapy.
2- Pinkeye
Conjunctivitis, often pinkeye, is a common eye condition brought on by allergies or infections. Though it usually heals on its own, in the interim, the eyes may feel like this: Itchy, wet, dry, and grainy An ice pack can lessen pinkeye's associated swelling and redness. When using an ice pack, users should wash and clean it after each use. If someone's eyes are painful, produce more pus than usual, or are more light-sensitive, they should consult a doctor.
3- Diminishes Inflammation
Skin care professionals are primarily interested in ice's
ability to decrease blood flow beneath the skin around the eyes, reducing
irritation. This is particularly beneficial for those with inflammatory skin
problems such as eczema, which can often cause puffiness and circles under the
eyes.
4- Eye Ache
There are numerous reasons why one could experience eye
irritation, such as:
- Something alien in the eye
- An illness or allergies
- Discomfort from wearing contact lenses
- An injury
- Lumps or cysts surrounding the eyelid, like a type
Applying an ice pack to the affected eye or eyes for fifteen
minutes can aid in reducing pain and swelling. Refrain from rubbing or pressing
the affected eye if it is the source of the pain. Alternatively, the eye could
be gently cleaned with water. If someone has been exposed to chemicals and is
experiencing eye pain, they should immediately seek medical attention and rinse
their eyes with water.
5- Bags Under The Eyes And Dark Circles
Some people get darker circles around their eyes more
frequently than others. Older people, people of colour, and those with a
genetic predisposition to dark circles are among these people. Additionally,
the following conditions may result in dark circles:
- Dermatitis
- Ageing
- Cigarette use
- Rubbing one's eyes
- Hay fever
- Fatigue
- Hydration deficit
An ice pack helps lessen the appearance of swelling and
darkness by constricting the blood vessels beneath the eyes.
6- Tightens The Skin And Reduces Pores
Additionally, ice helps decrease oiliness and clogs by
narrowing pores. It also provides the skin with a firmer, tighter appearance
and feel, which makes a big difference in how under-eye circles look. The
skin's tightening also lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
7- Relieves Sunburn And Acne
The coldness helps reduce inflammation in the area of the
skin that causes sunburn and acne to become hot, uncomfortable, and swollen.
Ice is an excellent approach to gently calm the region if you have sunburn or
acne near your under eyelids.
How To Make An Ice Pack At Home?
Everyday household items can indeed easily be used to make an
ice pack. Depending on the materials available, people can experiment with
various options.
Cold Towel
To make a cold towel compress, follow these steps:
- Soaking a fresh dishtowel and forming a square out of it
- For fifteen minutes, freeze the folded fabric inside a
plastic bag.
- Removing the frozen cloth indeed from the bag and dabbing
the eyes gently with it
Ice Pack
The steps to compress an ice pack are as follows:
- Placing ice in a plastic bag that can be sealed
- Ice chunks should be broken gently into little pieces.
- If needed, apply the wrapped ice bag to the eyes using a
fresh dishcloth.
Frozen Food Pack
An individual can compact a frozen food pack by:
- A tiny quantity of frozen vegetables, including mixed
vegetables, peas, or corn, is placed in a plastic bag that may be sealed.
- Applied to the eyes and shielded with a fresh dishcloth
How Are Ice Packs Used?
Applying the compress gently to a closed eye is recommended.
The National Eye Institute advises using an ice pack on an eye injury for
fifteen minutes. If necessary, repeat the therapy every few hours. It is never
advisable to apply ice directly to the skin. Additionally, prolonged use of ice
packs is not advised. The Rand Eye Institute advises applying an ice pack for
no more than 20 minutes to prevent frostbite.
Comparing warm and ice packs
Additionally helpful for pain, stress, and discomfort are
warm compresses. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a condition in which
indeed the glands in the eyes do not secrete enough oil and can be treated with
warm compresses. You may have dry, itchy eyes due to low oil levels. According
to a 2015 study, applying a warm, damp towel to the inner eyelid increased its
temperature enough to be helpful. An eye doctor should be seen by anyone who
thinks they may have MGD.
Conclusion
Always try a compress on a different body part before
applying it to the eye area, whether warm or cold. It's imperative to stay away
from chemical eye-cooling packs. Chemical spills have the potential to irritate
eyes and damage them. Also, people ought to refrain from putting raw meat in
their eyes.
Please book an appointment with the best Eye Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
