Abstract
Purpose
To investigate commercially available warming devices for their ability to effectively warm the lids by looking at heat distribution along the lid using thermography.
Methods
Devices that warm the eyelids are a standard treatment for MGD and blepharitis patients. Four commercial devices were tested: Medibeads a microwave activated eye mask, hot flannel, Eyebag instant disposable air activated heating pads, and a faical sauna.
Fifteen normal healthy subjects were recruited and acclimated for 15 min in a controlled environment chamber at 25°C and 65% RH. Each device was used for 10 min over four separate sessions. Lid surface temperature was observed for 3 min before and then after treatment using a FLIR ThermaCAM P620.
Results
The mean lid temperature before applying devices was (35.77 ± 0.55°C). Immediately after treatment, there was a significant increase in lid temperature (p < 0.05) for all the devices. The Medibeads (38.54 ± 0.53°C) was significant warmer than the Eyebags (37.96 ± 0.46°C) (p < 0.03) and facial sauna (37.62 ± 0.60°C) (p = 0.008). The hot flannel (38.57 ± 0.79°C) was significantly warmer than the facial sauna (p = 0.007).
The facial sauna and the hot flannel leave the skin wet. The wetness may cause evaporative cooling and thereby reduce the beneficial warming effect. The wet devices showed a larger spread. Furthermore, the temperature 1 min after sauna treatment had returned to the pre‐treatment value (p = 0.23).
The dry devices showed less spread and a longer lasting effect. In addition, the temperature after Medibeads treatment was warmer than after the Eyebags (p = 0.01).
Conclusions
The dry warming devices were shown to be more consistent. The Medibeads showed the most effective heating. This suggests that the Medibeads offer the most consistent warming for the treatment of MGD and blepharitis patients.