Warm Tea Bag Compress

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Can warm tea bag compresses help reduce infections of the eye? 

Answer:
Warm compresses (placing a clean, warm, moist washcloth over your closed lids) can improve a condition known as blepharitis which is a result of "thicker" than normal oils in the meibomian glands of the eyelids. This can reduce the risk of stye formation and may help with clearing up an acute stye. There is no evidence that using a "tea bag" is any better than a clean, warm washcloth.

Answered by: John W. Kitchens, MD 

Categories: Eye Conditions

Have a question that hasn't been answered yet? Ask it!