The best eye masks for dry eyes help to relax the muscles around our eyes and unclog the tear ducts. They also soothe discomfort and inflammation. These gentle masks help deal with migraines and cluster headaches too. In this article, we have listed a few of these masks that you could give a try. Go on and take a look.
How Do Eye Masks Help Treat Dry Eyes?
A dry eye mask works as a warm compress, balancing hydration around the eyes and unclogging the tear ducts in the region. It helps soothe irritation and inflammation, refreshing the eyes in the process. Some eye masks can be refrigerated and substituted as a cold compress to help with migraines and headaches. Scroll through our list of the best eye masks for dry eyes that will provide you instant relief.
10 Best Eye Masks For Dry Eyes
1. Best Warm Compress:Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress
A warm compress can help clear oil glands, hydrate the eyes, unclog tear ducts, and relax the mind. The innovative eye compress from Bruder does all that and more. This gentle moist heat compress features unique MediBeads that come with a honeycomb molecular structure. When heated in the microwave, these beads absorb moisture from the air and offer soothing relief from itchy, sticky, and dry eyes. This eye-hydrating compress improves meibomian oil gland production and is a natural way to bring relief to chalazion, styes, and blepharitis. It also helps reduce tear evaporation while stabilizing the tear film to keep the eyes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Here’s a review of this product by an eye expert. Pros
Washable Reusable Easy to use Self-hydrating Non-allergenic Anti-bacterial Latex-free Non-toxic
Cons
Cannot retain heat
2. Best Reusable Mask:Optix 55 Eye Compress Mask
This naturally hydrating Eye Compress Mask from Optix 55 is crafted with hydro heat technology. It absorbs moisture from the air and releases pure moist heat unto the eyes for lasting relief. This easy-to-use mask is filled with soft gel beads, is microwave-safe, and heats up in just 20 seconds to refresh and soothe the eyes. Its soft fabric cover is odor-free and does not support bacterial growth. The Velcro closure and elastic band promote a comfortable fit. Pros
Easy to use Storage pouch included Washable Reusable Odor-free Self-hydrating Adjustable strap Microwave-safe
Cons
Doesn’t retain heat for long
3. Best Lightweight Eye Compress:Kimkoo Professional Eye Compress
The ophthalmologist-recommended Moist Heat Eye Compress from Kimkoo improves eye health and relieves eye fatigue. It contains flaxseed that retains heat and transfers it as well. This flaxseed filling absorbs and stores moisture from the atmosphere and releases it upon being heated in the form of a relaxing warm water vapor compress that helps with dry eyes and more serious conditions like blepharitis. This lightweight mask comes with an adjustable elastic strap for a comfortable fit. Pros
Self-hydrating Reusable Adjustable elastic strap Ophthalmologist-recommended
Cons
Medicinal odor
4. Best Hot And Cold Therapy:Heyedrate Heated Eye Mask
The custom-fit design of the Heyedrate Heated Eye Mask is enhanced by the soft elastic strap that ensures it rests comfortably on the eyes and does not slip off. The eye pockets are filled with beads that release warm moist air onto the eyelids, unclogging tear ducts and blocked oil glands. This soothing warm compress offers relief from dryness, irritation, crusty eyelids, stickiness, and inflammation. To use it as a cold compress, place the mask in the freezer for two hours. When cold, this mask offers some relief from headaches, sinuses, allergies, and induces restful sleep. This easy-to-use mask can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Pros
Easy to use Lightweight Freezer-safe Reusable Velcro strap Suitable for hot and cold therapy
Cons
Uneven heating
5. Best Cotton Mask:Optase Moist Heat Eye Mask
The HydroBead technology used in the Optase Moist Heat Eye Mask provides moist heat to the eyelids, offering lasting relief to tired eyes. Additionally, this eye mask unclogs tear glands and promotes tear production to keep the eyes moist. It also helps soften the crusty deposits on the eyelids and lashes to ensure they are easy to wipe away. This silica bead mask is designed to reach and retain optimal hot or cold temperatures and humidity to offer relief from headaches, sinuses, puffy eyes, and migraines. It is recommended as the first step to obtaining relief from symptoms related to blepharitis, dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), styes, and chalazion. Pros
Washable Reusable Works as hot or cold compress Consistent temperature Self-hydrating Adjustable strap Protective pouch
Cons
Feels heavy on the eyes
6. Best Scented Mask:Aroma Season Electric Heated Eye Mask
The USB-powered Aroma Season Electric Heated Eye Mask offers relief from numerous eye conditions like dry eyes, blepharitis, styes, and chalazion. Its carbon fiber heater delivers optimal comfort to give you optimal relief. The mask contains natural lavender that exudes a relaxing fragrance to relieve stress and rejuvenate the mind. It can be powered by PC, power bank, or a USB adapter. This eye mask has three classes of heat temperate ranging from 98.6o F to 125.6o F and three classes of timing ranging from 20 to 60 minutes. It comes with a lovely carry bag. Check out an honest review of this product here. Pros
Washable Multiple temperature settings USB port Protective pouch Reusable Scented Lightweight Auto shut-off feature 1-year quality warranty
Cons
Inconsistent heating
7. Best Flexible:TheraPearl Eye-ssential Mask
The TheraPearl Eye-ssential Mask works as hot or cold compress to relieve dry eyes, puffiness, sinus pressure, headaches, and blepharitis. This non-toxic mask is packed with pliable gel pearls that take the shape of the eyes even when they are frozen. The pearls retain the temperature for at least 20 minutes, so that you don’t have to run to the microwave for reheating. Pros
Reusable Flexible Suitable for hot and cold therapy BPA-free Phthalate-free Latex-free
Cons None
8. Best Soothing:Soothing Master Advanced Hydroheat Mask
The versatile Soothing Master Advanced Hydroheat Mask is fabricated from luxurious fabric that is pliable and leak-proof. It is packed with soothing self-hydrating beads that extract moisture from the air and release as warm vapor once heated in the microwave. This moist heat from the compress penetrates deep into the eyes to relieve issues like dryness, meibomian gland dysfunction, and blepharitis. You can use it as a cooling eye mask to address blocked sinus, migraine, headaches, and dark circles as well. It is fitted with an adjustable elastic strap for a comfortable fit. Pros
Hot and cold therapy Reusable Self-hydrating Easy to clean Leak-proof Odor-free Protective storage pouch Adjustable strap
Cons None
9. Best Hydrating:TICLO’S Heat Mask
The hygienic glass thermal bead filling in the TICLO’s Heat Mask offers a weighted warm compress on the eyes. This moist heat mask releases warm vapor onto the eyes for hydration. The bead pouch is removable from the outer cover to allow easy washing. It is fitted with an adjustable Velcro strap that offers a secure fit and keeps it from slipping off. This mask comes with a pack of 30 aloe vera and vitamin E-infused eyelid wipes. Watch this video to understand the features of this eye mask in details and also understand how effective it is. Pros
Easy to use Washable cover Hydrating Consistent heat Mold-free Odor-free Free eye wipes included Risk-free trial
Cons
Heavy on the eyes
10. Best USB-Powered Eye Mask:Dr. Prepare Heated Eye Mask
The USB-powered Dr. Prepare Heated Eye Mask offers a therapeutic treatment for numerous eye conditions like dry eyes, blepharitis, dark circles, MGD, and puffy eyes It is heated by a carbon fiber element and is designed to deliver four heat intensities ranging from 95° F to 122° F. The four-timer settings ranging from 10 to 30 minutes with an auto shut-off function offer flexibility in duration of use. The velvet reverse and the elasticated band provide a comfortable fit. A unique flat nose cutout allows the mask to perfectly fit on various face shapes. This easy-to-clean cotton mask can be routinely washed to keep it hygienic and mold-free. Pros
Adjustable straps Flat nose cutout for universal fit Washable Multiple temperature settings USB port Reusable Lightweight
Cons
Inconsistent heating
These are the best eye masks meant for treating dry eyes. Given that there are so many options, how can you pick the right one for you? The following buying guide can help.
How To Choose The Best Eye Mask To Soothe Dry Eyes?
- Material: Depending on your skin sensitivity, you can choose eye masks made from silk, cotton, or plastic material. While cotton masks are most comfortable, silk masks are ideal for sensitive skin and can prevent irritation.
- Filling: Most eye masks are filled with beads or natural flaxseeds that absorb moisture from the air and convert it into warm vapor. Ideally, pick a mask that will offer the best hydration while retaining heat for an extended period.
- Dual-Purpose Features: Look for a mask that works both as a hot and cold compress. These offer relief from dry eye conditions and headaches, migraines, and under-eye puffiness.
- Washable: It is best to opt for a washable mask to ensure good hygiene for the safety of your eyes. Masks that are easy to clean do not promote bacterial build-up or mold and remain odor-free as well.
- Fit: Elastic Velcro straps offer a secure fit and ensure the mask does not slip off during use. This is especially important if you plan to use the mask overnight.
- Other features: Some masks offer high-tech features like USB ports, heating elements, or light cancellation. You may opt for those based on your requirement. Do eye masks help with dry eyes? Yes, eye masks do help with dry eyes. These masks are heat-activated to release a warm vapor that helps open the blocked glands on the eyelid to promote the production of oil and lubrication of the eye. Do dry eye masks really work? Yes, dry eye masks work. Heated eye masks are an efficient method of self-care that can be used by people who suffer from dry eyes to supplement treatment from eye drops and eye ointments. Do silk eye masks help dry eyes? The smooth texture of silk masks helps in protecting the delicate eye area. Since silk has special moisturizing properties, these masks also help hydrate the eyelids and may ease dry eye conditions. They are also breathable and make you feel comfortable during the treatment. Which is better for dry eyes: a hot eye mask or a cold eye mask? A warm compress is best for treating meibomian gland dysfunction as the heat stimulates the oil glands and increases blood circulation in the eyes. A cold compress helps relieve burning and pain that may accompany dry eyes, along with reducing the strain caused due to overexposure to screens. How often should you use a dry eye mask? You can use a dry eye mask daily for 10-15 minutes. Why do we get dry eyes? Dry eyes may be caused due to aging, glaring at a screen all day, vitamins A and B2 deficiency, or certain medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. How long does a dry eye mask last? Dry eye masks usually last not more than a year. Is it OK to sleep with an eye mask? No. Sleeping overnight with an eye mask may dry out your eyes even more and damage your lashes in the long run.
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