Benefits of Cold Compresses for the Eyes

Cold compresses are a safe, effective home remedy for eye discomfort. People can easily use common household items to help relieve a range of problems, including eye conditions. Cold compresses may ease symptoms such as swelling, pain, and dry eyes. Because cold causes the blood vessels to constrict, it can also improve the appearance of dark circles and reduce the discomfort of puffy eyes.  

In some cases, warm compresses may be a more suitable treatment for certain eye problems. People can also try prescription eye drops or over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, depending on the cause.

Read also: Fundus (Retinal) Examination  

How Can Cold Compresses Help the Eyes?

Cold compresses can ease symptoms of several eye conditions, especially those that do not require urgent medical care, such as:

Dry Eyes

Dry eye occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough moisture or when tears evaporate too quickly.  

Doctors often recommend that people with dry eyes use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears.  

However, a 2013 study showed that using cold compresses can be as effective as artificial tears, while also being cheaper and providing a more “natural” treatment option.

Common symptoms of dry eyes include:

– Burning or stinging sensation  

– Grittiness or feeling like there is sand in the eyes  

– Redness  

– Blurry vision that improves after blinking or using drops  

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Allergies or eye infections can sometimes cause a condition called conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. In many cases, it improves on its own, but until then it can make the eye feel:

– Itchy  

– Gritty or irritated  

– Watery  

– Sensitive to light  

Using cold compresses may help reduce the swelling and redness associated with pink eye.  

Anyone using cold compresses should make sure they are clean before each use and should wash them after every application.  

If a person has severe eye pain or marked sensitivity to light, they should contact a doctor.

Read also: Causes of Yellow Eyes, Treatment, and When to Seek Care  

Eye Pain

Many factors can cause eye pain, including:

– Eye strain (for example, from screens or reading)  

– Minor trauma or injury  

– Inflammation or infection  

– Headaches or migraines  

– Dry eye  

Placing cold compresses over the affected eyes for about 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and ease pain.  

If the pain is caused by a foreign body in the eye, it is important not to rub or press on the eye. Instead, the person can gently rinse the eye with clean water or sterile saline.  

If the pain is due to chemical exposure, the eye should be flushed with copious amounts of water immediately, and the person should seek emergency medical care right away.

Dark Circles and Under-Eye Bags

Some people are more prone than others to developing dark circles under the eyes. This group includes:

– Older adults  

– People with darker skin tones  

– Individuals with a family history of dark circles  

Dark circles can also be caused or worsened by:

– Lack of sleep  

– Allergies  

– Nasal congestion  

– Dehydration  

– Smoking  

– Prolonged screen time or eye strain  

Using cold compresses can help constrict the blood vessels under the eyes, which may reduce the appearance of darkness and under-eye puffiness.

How to Make Cold Compresses at Home

Cold compresses are easy to make with simple household items. There are several options people can try, depending on what they have available.

Cold Towel

A person can make a cold towel compress by following these steps:

1. Soak a clean washcloth or small towel in cold water.  

2. Wring out the excess water so it is damp but not dripping.  

3. Place the towel in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to chill (or briefly in the freezer, making sure it does not freeze solid).  

4. Fold the towel and gently place it over the closed eyes.  

Ice Pack

To make a cold compress using ice:

1. Fill a clean plastic bag with ice cubes or crushed ice.  

2. Wrap the bag in a thin, clean cloth or towel (never place ice directly on the skin).  

3. Gently place the wrapped ice pack over the closed eyes.  

Read also: Tips After PRK (Surface Laser) Eye Surgery  

Frozen Food Packs

People can also use frozen food packs as a cold compress by:

1. Taking a bag of frozen vegetables (such as peas or corn) from the freezer.  

2. Wrapping the bag in a thin, clean towel.  

3. Gently placing it over the closed eyes as a cold compress.  

How to Use Cold Compresses

A person should place the cold compress gently over the closed eye for about 15 minutes.  

It is safe to repeat this treatment as needed, for example every 2 hours.  

Important points:

– Do not apply ice directly to the skin.  

– Avoid using very hard, frozen compresses for long periods, as this can irritate the skin or cause discomfort.  

– Stop using the compress if pain, redness, or irritation worsens.

Warm Compresses vs. Cold Compresses

Warm compresses can also relieve pain, strain, or irritation. They are especially useful for treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the glands in the eyelids do not secrete enough oil into the tear film. This lack of oil can lead to dry, inflamed eyes.  

A 2015 study from a reliable source showed that using a warm, moist, folded towel over the closed eyelids increased the inner eyelid temperature enough to have a therapeutic effect.  

Anyone who suspects they may have MGD should contact an ophthalmologist or visit an eye center, such as the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah.

Read also: My Experience with Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)  

Other Treatments for Dry Eyes

People with dry eyes can try additional treatments, including:

– Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears), with or without preservatives  

– Lubricating eye gels or ointments, especially at night  

– Prescription eye drops such as anti-inflammatory medications  

– Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage (placed by an eye doctor)  

– Omega‑3 fatty acid supplements (if recommended by a doctor)  

– Using a humidifier indoors to increase air moisture  

The following measures can help prevent symptoms from developing or getting worse:

– Limiting screen time or taking regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule)  

– Avoiding direct air from fans, air conditioners, or heaters blowing on the face  

– Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sun  

– Staying well hydrated by drinking enough water  

– Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke  

– Removing eye makeup thoroughly before sleep  

Conclusion

Cold compresses can be a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms of dry eyes, eye pain, dark circles, and under-eye bags. People can easily make cold compresses at home using a clean cloth, ice, or frozen vegetables.  

However, chemical ice packs should be avoided near the eyes, as a leak could cause serious injury if the chemicals enter the eye.  

Anyone who experiences this, or who has severe pain, vision changes, or intense light sensitivity, should contact an ophthalmologist immediately.

Read also: When Does Vision Improve After Retinal Detachment Surgery?