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Ever since I became a contact lens wearer many years ago, chronic dry eyes and I have become fast and familiar friends. That gritty feeling and overly red appearance only gets exacerbated by staring at a computer screen for long periods throughout the day. After a recent visit with my eye doctor, where I expressed my dryness-related woes, he pulled up this $29 electric eye mask on his computer and told me this would be an effective solution —and reviewers agree.
In all transparency, this wasn’t the first time an eye professional told me that heat application could help with dryness. However, this was the first time I had been suggested an option that was electric and didn’t require a microwave, wet washcloths or other more cumbersome methods that don’t stay hot.
The Aroma Season eye mask is filled with natural flax seeds to offer a slightly compressive, non-toxic remedy and a design that molds into those awkward gaps around the eyes and nose, which means there’s greater contact with the heat of the mask. The mask is also slimmer compared to previous renditions, which can be better for a more precise wear.
According to the brand, this mask uses a graphene heating element, which generates a deeply penetrating infrared heat that can assist with more than just eye dryness, but also styes, ocular migraines and more. The five temperature settings can be controlled using the attached controller, which can also be used for scheduling timer functions, an important safety feature if you accidentally end up falling asleep with the mask on. According to my eye doctor, just 10 minutes a day can be all you need to help with dryness symptoms, though it can vary from person to person.
To find out exactly how heat works to improve eye dryness I also reached out to an eye specioutside of my own healthcare provider. Dr. Anat Galor, a Miami, Florida-based ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said that in some individuals, abnormalities of the Meibomian glands — which are the glands in the eyelids that produce the oil component of tears — contribute to dry eye symptoms.
“One treatment that is used to improve Meibomian gland health is to apply heat to the glands to help the release of oil onto the surface of the eye,” Galor said.
Although I have yet to try the Aroma Season mask out for myself (we have procrastination to thank for that) it had a whole host of promising Amazon reviews that supported my doctor’s recommendation and Galor’s explanation for why it helps with dry eyes.
One reviewer claimed that this mask “saved them” and has been a long-lasting and effective solution for their chronic eye dryness and styes, while others say the electric design has been more beneficial compared to microwavable versions or gel-filled options.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“If you suffer from dry eye, look at a computer screen all day or just need to relax your eyes this is a wonderful product. My optometrist recommended this exact device as he has one too and he told me he loved his ,so I decided to try it for myself. My optometrist was right. This makes my eyes feel great after using it. My Optometrist recommend that I use it about 15 minutes 1-2 times a day. I like that you can set the temperature to the level you like. It gets pretty warm to me, so I keep mine at the lower levels. I like the cloth covering that comes with it too. It is filled with flaxseeds, has infrared heat, three preset timers w/ auto shut off and high/medium/low temperatures. This is the perfect device for your Me Time.” — Henrietta
“My eye doctor wanted me to apply heat to my eyes for 10 minutes/day to combat dry eye. I started out with one of those gel-filled masks that you microwave; it lasted about a year then started leaking and burning. This one was twice the price or so of the gel-filled one, so I decided to try it. I LOVE it. I love the compact size; I love that it is shaped so I can use it with the cord on the right or left. At first I thought a cordless one would be better, but then I realized I wouldn’t be doing any multi-tasking while using the mask LOL. It has a digital readout that’s large enough to see without my readers, an on/off button and 5 graduated heat settings. I use it on the highest setting (5) and it’s just right. The material is soft, including the cloth cover that came with it to keep it clean (the cloth cover is washable, the actual devide is not). Highly recommend over microwavable styles.”— MarsWhitt
“I have suffered with dry eyes for years and need the heat applied to my closed eyes to help stimulate my eye ducts/oil glands. I had always heated socks or cloths in the microwave but it wasn’t very efficient. This small electric heated mask is really great. It has four heat settings and the timer can be set up to 1 hour. Perfect for a little nap! Love it.” — Anita Reed
“Saved me. I wish I had known about this sooner! Found out about it after watching an eye dr. youtube video on dry eyes that explained the the research for dry eyes is the heat temp and 20 min timing. This is why the microwaveable ones do not work. They are too hot at first then don’t stay at the right temp long enough.
This has the set 20 min and heat timing! I have ocular rosacea and get styes as well as severe dry eye now. I use this every night before bed and now no longer get styes!” — HaloS
Preservative-free artificial tears to remoisten eyes
In line with a recommendation from The National Eye Institute’s Dr. Chantal, it’s best to stick with tear replacement drops that can mimic your natural tears without employing preservatives. This 50-pack of eye drop vials by Refresh are packed in individual vials to reduce the chance of bacteria growth and can instantly moisturize and and lubricate the surface of the eye.
A pair of wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes in windy conditions
Herz said you can use wraparound glasses to protect your eyes from moisture loss, especially in outdoor windy areas. These stylish round glasses from Stoggles feature a protective side barrier that’s transparent to reduce peripheral vision impact. They also come in nine colors, are prescription-compatible and have an anti-fog coating.
A moisturizing eye gel for irritated eyes
For stronger daytime dry eye relief when regular drops just aren’t cutting it, this everyday soothing eye gel by Refresh might do the trick. The slightly thicker drops are safe to use with contacts and help to coat the eye surface, relieving a number of symptoms like burning, stinging and redness.
A microwavable compress to relieve dryness in between screen time
Dr. Hakop Khurdajian, a Los Angeles-based optometrist, said that applying warm compresses on your eyes three or four times each day for about 5 to 10 minutes each is one of the best ways you can relieve dry eye symptoms without the use of medication. The heat helps to open the glands in the eye and promote greater oil flow, instantly reducing that gritty feeling.
Once microwaved for about 20 seconds, this washable and anti-bacterial eye mask can help relax strained and dry eyes with the help of heat-holding beads.
A humidifier to boost moisture in the room
Running air conditioners in the summer or heaters in the winter can zap moisture from the air. Cousineau-Krieger said it might be helpful to place a humidifier in your room or office.
The AquaOaisis humidifier produces cool mist to boost hydration in the air using a 360-degree rotating nozzle. The large-capacity tank means longer run times, and three different mist modes give customized levels of air moisture.
A water bottle that helps you to drink more water
Cousineau-Krieger said that drinking more water is essential when it comes to eye hydration. This can be tricky if you’re a busy person or someone who forgets to drink water throughout the day.
This 21-ounce vacuum-insulated water bottle is made from odor-resistant and shatter-proof stainless steel. The HidrateSpark Pro’s most impressive feature, though, is its Bluetooth capability, which allows you to track your water intake, set daily goals or even challenge friends through an app. The LED sensor at the bottom also starts to glow when it’s time to take a drink, and it contains a location tracker so you never lose your bottle.
A high-quality air purifier to reduce potential eye irritants in the air
“Try using a high-quality air filter at home to reduce the effects of dry or polluted air,” Herz said. (Read more about how air purifiers work.)
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is a reasonably priced purifier that’s suitable for spaces of up to 540 square feet. It uses an activated carbon filter to effectively grab particles — particularly dust, smoke and allergens that can potentially cause eye irritation. It also contains a second machine-washable filter specifically for capturing larger particles in air and has an indicator that lets you know when it’s time to change the filter.
An omega-rich supplement that should only be taken if approved by your doctor
“Ask your ophthalmologist if you should take omega-3 fatty acid supplements,” Herz said. “Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found naturally in foods like fish and flax seeds, and may help reduce dry eye symptoms.”
While supplements might not be an option for everyone, these fish oil soft gel capsules are made from strict and carefully selected ingredients that have been purified to remove potential traces of mercury or other contaminants.
Heads up: Clip the coupon for 25% off this bottle of fish oil capsules. The savings will show up at checkout.
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