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Purpose: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common causes of evaporative dry eye. Warm compresses (WC) are recommended as adjunct therapy to slowly transfer heat to the meibomian glands to melt or soften the stagnant meibum with targeted temperatures of 40-45°C. This clinical study evaluated the heat retention profiles of commercially available eyelid warming masks over a 12-min interval.Methods: Five eyelid-warming masks (MGDRx Eyebag(®), EyeDoctor(®), Bruder(®), Tranquileyes XR™, Thera°Pearl(®)) were heated following manufacturer's instructions and heat retention was assessed at 1-min intervals for 12min. A facecloth warmed with hot tap water was used as comparison.Results: Twelve (n=12) subjects participated in the study (10F:2M, ranging in age from 21 to 30 with an average of 23.2±3.8years). Each mask demonstrated a unique heat retention profile, reaching maximum temperature at different times and having a different final temperature at the end of the 12-min evaluation. After heating, all eyelid warming masks reached a temperature near 37°C within the first minute. The facecloth was significantly cooler than all other masks as of the 2-min mark (p<0.05).Conclusions: Reusability, availability and heat retention profiles should be considered when selecting an eyelid warming masks for adjunct WC therapy in the management of MGD. All masks tested, with the exception of the facecloth, demonstrated stable heat retention throughout the 12min, bringing further awareness that patient education is required to discuss the shortcomings of the heat retention of the facecloth, if only heated once. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) appears to be the most common cause of evaporative dry eye, in which the meibum has an altered chemical structure that increases its melting point. Eyelid warming masks slowly transfer heat, preferably between 40 and 45 °C to the inner meibomian glands, in an attempt to melt or soften the stagnant meibum. This ex vivo study evaluates the heat retention properties of commercially available masks over a 12-min interval. Methods Five eyelid-warming masks (MGDRx EyeBag ® , EyeDoctor ® , Bruder ® , Tranquileyes™, Thera°Pearl ® ) were heated following manufacturer's instructions and heat retention was assessed at 1-min interval for 12 min on a non-conductive surface. A facecloth warmed with hot tap water was used as comparison. Results All masks reached above 40 °C within the first 2 min after heating and remained so for 5 min, with the exception of the facecloth, which lasted only 3 min and quickly degraded to 30 °C within 10 min. The Bruder ® and Tranquileyes™ reached >50 °C, after heating and the Bruder ® maintained >50 °C for nearly 6 min. The MGDRx EyeBag ® , and Thera°Pearl ® had the most stable heat retention between 2 and 9 min, remaining between the targeted temperature. Conclusions Heat retention profiles are different for commercially available eyelid warming masks. This ex vivo study highlights that despite the popularity of the time-honored facecloth, it is poor at retaining the desired heat over a 5–10 min interval. Clinical studies need to corroborate these results, remembering that ocular tissue parameters may be factors to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]