Our eyes are an important but vulnerable organ that constantly suffers the negative influences of the external and internal environment. For example, under the influence of infectious diseases, allergic reactions, or even diseases of the digestive system, a person may develop blepharitis.
Reference! Blepharitis is a group of diseases of the eyes and eyelids, which can manifest as inflammation of the eyelids, increased dryness or watery eyes, eyelash loss, discomfort when blinking and other unpleasant symptoms.
Blepharitis itself is very difficult to cure completely, but eyelid massage can improve the situation, partially relieve symptoms and inflammation, speed up drug treatment and remove stagnant secretions.
A little about the disease
Depending on the characteristics of the disease, there are six main types of blepharitis. Massage treatment will not be effective for all of them. Let's look at a few:
View | Differences |
Scaly | The most common type. Manifests itself in redness of the eyelids and slight swelling (the effect of tear-stained eyes). With it, small scales of the epidermis settle tightly on the skin at the base of the eyelashes. It is very difficult to cure completely. Often becomes chronic. |
Maimbovia | It is characterized by increased secretion production with reduced secretion. In this form of the disease, the human glands secrete a thick and viscous white-yellow liquid, which forms gray-yellow lumps when hardened |
Ulcerative | Clots of pus are observed in the eyelash hair follicles. Ulcerations form along the edges of the eyelids. If you try to remove them manually, they come off along with the eyelashes. |
Demodectic | Occurs from infection with demodex mites. It lives in the eyelash bulb, causes itching, and is accompanied by discharge. Externally it manifests itself in redness of the eyelid and its point thickening. |
Allergic | It is observed in people who are especially sensitive to medications, pollen, household chemicals, etc. Accompanied by profuse lacrimation. |
Rosacea | Small grayish-red nodules begin to form on the skin of the eyelids, and when the disease occurs, the eyes experience a constant feeling of dryness and tension. Patients may also experience itching, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and loss of clarity of vision. |
Massage is suitable in the case of scaly, membovian, and demodicosis variants. In case of allergies, conventional antiallergic drugs will help. In case of ulcerative (purulent) form, massage treatment of the eyelids helps remove pus along with secretions, but it cannot be done at home - only in an ophthalmology office. If you are careless, you can aggravate the inflammation and cause an infection.
Causes of the disease
The most common cause of blepharitis is a bacterial infection (in particular, staphylococcal). Less common are cases of a problem arising due to a viral disease - herpes, molluscum contagiosum, etc. The cause may also be:
- seborrhea fungus (damage to eyelashes and eyebrows);
- allergic and autoimmune reactions;
- prolonged chronic diseases and decreased immunity (diabetes, tuberculosis, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal diseases);
- constant negative environmental impact (dust, wind, chemicals, high temperatures, etc.)
- refractive errors that have not been corrected for a long time - astigmatism and farsightedness.
Blepharitis and age-related changes
Eyelid massage is a great help if the symptoms of blepharitis occur along with age-related changes - disturbances in the production and removal of secretions. Self-massage in this case not only neutralizes congestion, but also improves blood circulation in the massaged area.
How is blepharitis treated?
Treatment of blepharitis involves an integrated approach to the problem. For most of its types, three tools are used:
- Warm compresses. They warm up the glands of the eyelid and help remove stagnant secretions. To do this, use a warm towel, gauze pads or cotton balls soaked in hot water. For the procedure to have an effect, it is used before daily massage and 3-4 times throughout the day. The compress is applied for 5-10 minutes.
- Cleansing the edges of the eyelids. Using a cotton ball soaked in a soap solution that does not irritate the eyes, the eyelashes are cleaned of dandruff, crusts, and discharge characteristic of blepharitis. Roughly speaking, eyelid hygiene is carried out.
- Applying ointments. Erythromycin or bacitracin ointments are most often used. Antibiotic-containing medications are prescribed in short courses.
In persistent cases, tablet drugs are prescribed with a long course of administration - 1-2 months. They are used to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and reduce the production of secretions by the meimbovemic glands. This reduces the risk of infection.
To reduce the feeling of dryness, special drops are prescribed - artificial tears. They should be used every hour during the day. After a week of use, if the feeling of discomfort begins to disappear, you can drip without dripping your eyes for longer periods
Lymphatic drainage massage for swelling
This effective and affordable method will help improve the outflow of fluid through the lymphatic vessels and maintain the elasticity of the dermis. The procedure is useful not only for eliminating swelling, but also helps reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes. Eyelid massage, which normalizes lymph flow, is a great way to solve these problems.
Method one: lymphatic drainage glasses
Lymphatic drainage glasses are a device for physiotherapy that has a comprehensive effect on the eye area using massage combined with lymphatic drainage. This technical, simple device consists of goggles resembling a swimming mask and a control panel. The patient can choose different modes.
Thermal effects, air pressure and vibration stimulate the expansion of capillary vessels, accelerate the supply of oxygen to cells, and prevent blockage of blood vessels. Using an eyelid massage device can significantly improve the condition of the area around the eyes. Such massage sessions cannot be prescribed independently using glasses. They are contraindicated in cases of retinal detachment and inflammation of the organs of vision. The procedure should be performed with caution after ophthalmic surgery or for people with high blood pressure. Only a specialist can give approval for the use of the device.
The algorithm for using the device consists of several stages:
- Put on your glasses and select the desired set of programs, setting the session time. Usually it is 5-10 minutes.
- After completing the procedure, remove your glasses and apply cool cotton pads to your eyelids. To enhance the effect, they are soaked in green tea with mint. The contrast effect has a good tightening effect on the skin.
- Lubricate the area under the eyes and eyelids with a suitable cream.
In addition to eliminating swelling, after using such a massager, the color of the skin around the eyes becomes fresher, dark circles are reduced.
Method two: manual lymphatic drainage massage for swelling
If there are any contraindications for using lymphatic drainage glasses or it is not always convenient, you can learn a simple technique of manual eyelid massage for swelling, which you can do yourself at home and even at work during lunch. The whole procedure will take 10-15 minutes. Please note that the skin around the eyes is very delicate and vulnerable; any manipulation with it must be done very carefully so as not to stretch it.
Before you begin massaging the lower eyelid, the skin must be moisturized. To do this, use foam or gel - in a word, any product that will help soften and moisturize the skin under the eyes.
You need to perform self-massage with your fingertips. First, massage the eyebrow arch for about 30-40 seconds, then move on to the outer and inner corners of the eyes. After this, you need to massage the nasal arch, where the nasolacrimal duct passes. Gently go over the area, tapping with your fingertips. Vibrating movements counteract congestion in the sinuses and improve blood circulation.
Then you need to massage the area under the eyes. On the lower arch of the orbit in the middle there are small depressions (they can be felt with your fingertips), and the necessary points are located 1 cm below. You need to press on them and make circular massaging movements for about 1 minute. Such movements also activate the body’s energy resources and increase overall tone. Several more popular eyelid massage techniques for swelling consist of stroking and pressing movements. There are many videos on the Internet from which you can glean information and learn how to independently perform lymphatic drainage massage of the eyelids.
You should first consult an ophthalmologist about the advisability of the procedure. So, for some eye diseases, massage may be contraindicated.
Benefits of eyelid massage for blepharitis
During the massage, we specifically improve blood circulation in the area we need to improve its nutrition. Firstly, it is the prevention of congestion, and secondly, it increases the tone of the eyelids and eye muscles.
Congestion is removed due to lymph circulation, and stimulation of nerve fibers improves the functioning of the organ. Thus, the drugs used are absorbed faster, and pus and other secretions are removed from the body.
The benefits of the procedure also include a pronounced cosmetic effect. In addition to reducing swelling, skin sagging is reduced.
Massage itself will not lead to complete recovery, but it will speed it up. Thanks to improved blood circulation, the medications the patient uses are absorbed better and act faster.
Note! The procedure has its drawbacks. After the first home sessions, increased lacrimation will be observed. Also, during self-massage the patient may experience some discomfort.
Indications for eyelid massage
Massage on the eyelids should be used for the following conditions and diseases:
- excessive eye strain due to prolonged exposure to cramped spaces or long hours of computer use;
- prevention of skin sagging and wrinkles;
- poor conductivity of lymph and blood through the vessels, which can lead to pathological conditions of the eyeballs;
- eliminating toxins, a greater effect is achieved if you apply not only a massage of the eyelids, but also the entire face.
If the patient does not know how to perform the technique, it is initially recommended to consult a specialist. After completing the massage course, you can do all the exercises yourself every day. This helps achieve maximum effect.
Types and tools
There are two types of eyelid massage that are used to treat and prevent blepharitis and some other ophthalmological problems. This:
- Glass rod. A small glass rod is used as an instrument, with the help of which purulent formations are brought out, and medications are better rubbed into the skin. It is used in the initial and severe stages of blepharitis.
- Finger impact. It does not require any additional tools, but helps get rid of swelling, reduce discomfort, and get rid of accumulated fluid.
At first, finger massaging may seem like a relaxing massage, but it is not. Regardless of the type of procedure, the patient may experience discomfort and pain during the procedure. Therefore, before starting it, eye drops with an anesthetic effect are used.
Massage technologies
There are several massage technologies. The classical technique is most often used, but for blepharitis, the procedure can be performed using a small glass rod.
Traditional manual method
This procedure should begin with light stroking movements. You need to perform such techniques from the inner corner to the outer one. This technique is done for a couple of minutes, after which light pressure is applied to the edge of the upper eyelid with your fingertips to release the liquid.
Press carefully; you can help yourself with the eye muscles, closing your eyes tightly. After such techniques, the eyes should be stroked again for a few minutes, this helps to relax them. After the session, the edge of the eyelids is treated with an alcohol-containing composition, and the eye is washed with a solution of Furacilin or Miramistin.
All massage movements must be done with extreme caution so as not to cause pain to yourself.
With massager
Jade and tourmanium rollers are used to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes. Before using this massage roller, you should carefully read the instructions for use. First, massage the upper eyelid, and then the lower. Finally, moisturizer is applied to the skin.
Glass rod
For blepharitis, massage using a special glass rod gives a good effect. One tip of the stick is made in the form of a small spatula, and the second is in the shape of a ball.
The upper skin fold is pulled back a little and a part of the stick, which looks like a spatula, is inserted under it. From the side of the eyelid, press the stick with the tip of your finger and gradually massage the entire area of the eyelid. During the procedure, a transparent or whitish secretion is separated from the eyelid.
It is better to entrust such massage procedures to an experienced specialist. It is important to complete the full course of treatment. Therapy should not be interrupted, even if the inflammation has already passed.
How to properly massage the eyelids with blepharitis?
Before moving on to a detailed analysis, we will define general rules that should be followed, regardless of the type of instrument and the chosen technique. There are five of them in total:
- We do eyelid hygiene. Before the procedure, you need to thoroughly clean the eyelids with warm water, and then wipe them dry with a sterile paper towel.
- We prevent infection. We treat the massage area and everything that will come into contact with it (hands, glass rod) with an antiseptic.
- We use painkillers. Buy anesthetic in the form of drops and apply eye drops before the procedure according to the instructions on the package. Wait a little for the product to be absorbed into the mucous membrane.
- We follow the regime. One massage procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes (usually 7-8) and is repeated daily for a week. Only regularity can give results.
- After the procedure we use medicine. Massage itself does not cure - it relieves symptoms and speeds up drug treatment. After it, you should use drops and ointments prescribed by your doctor.
The procedure is best carried out in a clinic, but if the patient is willing to take all precautions, use antiseptics and follow the technology to the end, it can be performed at home.
When preparing for a massage, you must remove your contact lenses (if you wear them, although this is not recommended for blepharitis). Be careful not to damage the skin during the process. All movements should be smooth and soft. The most important thing is to ensure that there is no strong pressure on the eyeball. It is difficult not to influence it at all (especially if you are doing this for the first time), but try to reduce it to a minimum.
Preparing for a massage: what tools are needed?
Before carrying out, make sure that you have everything you need at home to give a massage. You will need:
- Antiseptic solution for treating hands, eyelids and instruments. Okomestin or Vitabact are good for the eyes, but it is better to consult your doctor.
- Pain relieving drops. Drugs in this group include Diclofenac and Indocollir. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops that are not potent anesthetics. They are weak, but do not cause damage to the cornea with prolonged use. If the pain is mild, it is better to use them.
Note! The group of anesthetics includes Lidocaine and Alcaine. They begin to act within 1-2 minutes. They are used during surgical operations, for first aid for eye injuries and some diagnostic procedures. Long-term use has a negative effect on the cornea. Before use, consultation with a doctor is required.
- Boiled warm water. Needed for washing eyes before massage. Why boiled? Because during heat treatment, water gets rid of unwanted impurities - chlorine and excess salt.
- Ophthalmic ointments and medicated drops for blepharitis prescribed by your doctor.
- A clean terry towel. If you are not sure about the cleanliness of a terry towel, use a disposable paper towel.
Note! Many medications for blepharitis are antibiotics that need to be used for up to 2 weeks. Self-medication is inappropriate here - entrust the choice to your doctor. He will select a drug, depending on the stage of the disease and its type (rosacea, scaly, ulcerative).
If you do acupressure with your fingers, no additional tools are required. Otherwise, you need a special glass rod. It looks like a small rod with a spatula and a ball at the end.
Lymphatic drainage eye massage procedure
Lymphatic drainage massage is performed on the upper and lower eyelids, and on areas of the skin under the eye socket and along the eyebrows (above the eye socket):
- Apply a non-greasy cream or massage oil, you can use a nourishing mask or treatment.
- We use the pads of the index and middle fingers of both hands to massage both eyes at the same time, performing circular movements with light pressure in a clockwise direction, starting from the outer corner to the inner corner of the eye, then directing the movements back, 10 times in each direction. Do not forget about the delicate skin of the eyelids, do not allow pain and displacement of the skin.
- Add a little more massage oil or cream to the skin around the eyes and eyelids and, using the pads of four fingers located vertically, apply pressure on the lower eyelid, then on the upper eyelid for 5 seconds. Then comes the turn of a light and quick “stocatto” - tapping around the eyes for 5-7 seconds from the temple towards the nose and vice versa.
- We perform “finger rolling”: we turn the nail towards the temple and place the middle finger at the outer corner of the eye on the rib. Roll the finger onto the other rib, turning the nail towards the bridge of the nose. Along the bone of the lower orbit, we move the finger in the direction of the temple-nose by similar rolling. We repeat 5 times, move to the upper eye socket and perform the same movements along the eyebrows in the nose-temple direction.
- We press 10 times at the outer corner of the eye, roll the finger along the lower eye socket to the inner corner, then 10 pressures near the bridge of the nose and roll the finger along the upper eye socket along the eyebrows to the outer corner of the eye. We repeat rolling 10 times and remember to apply pressure - 10 times at each corner of the eyes.
- Using the middle and index fingers, we move in a circular motion along the orbicularis oculi muscle, grabbing the eyebrow and cheekbone in the upper part. We start the movement at the temples and the outer corner of the eye and continue along the lower eye socket to the nose.
- At the end, lymphatic drainage massage is performed according to the previous route using tapping movements.
- After draining the lymph, we do contrast rinses for the face, starting and ending with cool water.
Massage the eyelids with a glass rod
A glass rod is a tool that no ophthalmology office can do without, but you can purchase it at any pharmacy.
One end is made in the form of a spatula, and the other is in the form of a ball, which is used for collecting and applying medicinal ointments. The spatula is inserted under the eyelid, gently pulling it back. The tool gradually moves from the inner corner of the eye to the outer. The doctor makes light squeezing movements, during which the eye produces a white or transparent secretion. Below we will provide a video of the process.
The procedure is complex and traumatic if performed inexperienced, and is performed under anesthesia. We recommend entrusting it to an ophthalmologist, but we will still describe detailed instructions:
- We prepare everything necessary, perform eye hygiene, disinfect hands, prepare instruments, and apply anesthetic (in that order).
- We wait 1-2 minutes for the painkiller to take effect. Now you will not feel pain for the next 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully place the eye stick under the eyelid towards the arch of the conjunctiva (just in case, we clarify - this should be done with the spatula side).
Reference! The conjunctiva is a thin and transparent tissue that covers the apple. Its main function is to secrete fluid that protects the eye from drying out. The conjunctiva of the eyelid is that part of the conjunctiva that begins at the upper and lower edge of the eyelid.
- We hold the eyelid with our finger in the place where the glass rod was inserted. The nail should be turned in the direction of the skin.
- We make light pressing movements on the eyelid. If you do everything correctly, a clear liquid should be released (white if the blepharitis is advanced).
- Move the wand towards the edge, using massaging movements to treat each area.
- Repeat these steps with the bottom and top of the eyelid. In total, this should take you about 7-8 minutes.
- When the massage is completed, treat the edges of the eyelids with a cotton swab dipped in ethereal alcohol.
- After this, you can use the products and ointments prescribed by the ophthalmologist.
These actions will need to be carried out daily for 1-2 weeks. During the massage, you will need to fight the blink reflex - a response to touching the eyelashes. If this is too difficult, stop with finger stimulation.
Features and rules for performing eyelid massage
Massage is an integral part of eyelid hygiene. It includes a hot compress, edge treatment and other manipulations. You can do it with a cotton swab or glass swab, or with your fingers.
Each eye is massaged separately, with the vertical direction of movement determined by the location of the meibomian glands. If you massage the eyelids correctly, you can prevent stagnation of secretions in the ducts. But it is important that the movements are smooth and the pressure is light.
The duration of one self-massage session is usually 2-3 minutes. First, hand hygiene and eye treatment are carried out. If necessary, an anesthetic is applied to the soft tissues. First, stroking with your fingers is performed in the direction from the inner corners of the eyes to the outer ones. You can use light force to speed up the removal of stagnant meibomian gland secretions.
Massage movements should be carried out for 1-1.5 minutes, after which you can complete the procedure with light stroking and apply the medicine prescribed by the doctor. After the manipulations, it is necessary to remove the released secretion.
With inflammatory lesions, massage sessions often cause pain. Even an experienced doctor who knows how to massage the eyelids for chalazion or blepharitis can cause discomfort to the patient.
Eyelid massage for blepharitis at home
It is much easier to carry out a finger analogue. The risk of injury to the procedure is lower, but so is its effectiveness. Let's look at the process step by step:
- We do the same preparation as in the case of the shoulder blade. We instill the anesthetic. This must be done three times with an interval of 3 minutes. 1-2 at a time will be enough.
- We close our eyes and squint a little. We do this several times.
- Apply a compress from a warm, clean towel - this will facilitate the release of stagnant secretions.
- With one finger we raise the eyebrow, and with the other we stroke the eyelid from top to bottom, lightly pressing on it.
- If performed correctly, you should feel increased moisture and secretion accumulating on the lower eyelid.
- Continue these movements for 7-8 minutes. Do the same with the lower eyelid. The movements are the same, but now in the direction from bottom to top.
- Apply the ointment recommended by your ophthalmologist and repeat the procedure daily throughout the course of taking medications.
- Wash your hands.
Performing a thumb massage
When using this technique, you must complete the same preparation. After this, place your thumbs on the upper and lower eyelids in such a way that the distance from the nail to the edge is 2-3 centimeters. After this, you need to manually close the edges with light pressure, causing the secretion to come out. The corners of the eyes are treated especially carefully.
After the procedure, the skin is carefully treated with a cotton swab or swab dipped in alcohol-ether.
This procedure does not require the intervention of a professional ophthalmologist. It can be easily done at home. The main thing is to adhere to the rules of hygiene.
How to do a decongestant eyelid massage
To make it easier for you to master the technique of performing lymphatic drainage massage, we will analyze it step by step:
- The first thing you need to do is cleanse your face well with foam or gel wash. The area around the eyes is wiped with tonic and a special product intended for the eyelids is applied. This could be an eye cream, a nourishing mask, serum or cosmetic oil (for example, grape or almond). If you apply a cream that is well absorbed into the skin, then reapply it after a while to continue the massage.
- Eye massage is performed simultaneously with both hands on both eyes. Using two fingers (index and middle) in a clockwise direction, make circular movements at the outer corners of the eyes, that is, at the temples.
- Using the same fingers, apply gentle pressure to the skin under the eyes in the direction from the temple to the nose. Repeat this technique 3 times. Then they move to the upper eyelid and apply the same pressure, but in the opposite direction (from the inner corner of the eye to the outer).
- The next technique is performed using the pads of four fingers at once. For a few seconds, press on the lower eyelid, then also on the upper.
- Using the index and middle fingers, lightly tap the lower eyelids from the temple to the nose and then the upper eyelids in the opposite direction.
- This technique can be called “rolls”. The middle finger is placed on the rib, with the nail facing the temple. Without lifting it from the skin, roll it with your finger so that the nail points towards the nose. The movement is directed along the bone under the eye. With such rolls you need to reach the inner corner of the eye. Repeat the technique 4-5 times.
- The previous massage movement is repeated exactly for the upper eyelid. It is done on the area under the eyebrow, but in the opposite direction - from the nose to the temple.
- Using the middle finger, lightly press on the outer corner of the eye 10 times, then “roll” in the manner described above along the lower eyelid. Press 10 times on the inner corner of the eye, then “roll” along the outer eyelid towards the temple. It turns out to be a circle that is repeated 8-10 times.
- Using the index and middle fingers, make light movements along the orbicularis oculi muscle, grabbing the line above the eyebrow and the upper part of the cheekbone. The direction is the same - it starts from the temple along the bottom line to the nose and continues along the top line from the nose to the temple.
- The last technique is to gently tap with your fingertips in the same direction as in the previous paragraphs.
- After the massage, wash again and take a contrast bath. To do this, take cold water into your palms and hold your face in it for 8-10 seconds. Then also in a warm place. Repeat the procedure 10-12 times.
Finally, apply a light eyelid emulsion to the skin. In general, in order to get the maximum effect and remove bags under the eyes in a shorter period of time, it is recommended to use special products.
What should you definitely not do?
The eyes are a very fragile organ that can easily be damaged during inept eyelid massage. The most common execution errors are:
- Lack of preparation. If you get an infection, the inflammation and swelling will only increase. Try to ensure a sterile environment in the ophthalmology room.
- Using a cotton swab to remove liquid. You can wipe your eyes with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab after the procedure. The eyelids are closed. If you try to remove secretions with them, the microfibers will remain on the mucous membrane, irritate it and only increase the likelihood of infection.
- Incorrectly selected medications. Too much anesthetic can impair your vision and damage your cornea. The wrong antiseptic will lead to severe burning and damage to the mucous membrane of the eye.
- Pressure on the eyeball. Pressure is applied to stimulate secretion production. Pressure on the eyeball will not improve the situation, but can lead to injury.
- Incorrect hygiene products. Hygiene cosmetics cannot be used for medical eyelid massage.
Do not make the mistakes outlined above - all this can only worsen your situation. Also, do not give up medications in favor of self-massage. It can only be beneficial in combination with drug treatment. Watch how to do a massage correctly and repeat the technology shown in the video.
What should not be done during self-massage of the eyelids?
Despite the availability of detailed instructions for eye massage and the possibility of obtaining advice from the attending physician, many make mistakes during the procedure. The most common of them are:
- Excessive pressure on the eye. Gentle pressure helps eliminate congestion in the ducts of the meibomian glands. But if you put too much pressure on the eyeball, you can injure it.
- No preparation. In the absence of sterility, there is a risk of infection in the eye, and the clinical situation will only worsen.
- Incorrect hygiene products. Ordinary cosmetics cannot be used when performing medical self-massage. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of antiseptic and anesthetic. Please note that too much of these drugs can have negative consequences.
It is important to know how to massage the lower and upper eyelids, and also to avoid mistakes during the procedure. You cannot refuse drug treatment in favor of massage procedures, because the latter are effective only in tandem with ophthalmic medications.
Contraindications
Treatment of blepharitis with massage is not recommended in the following cases:
- Feverish state, elevated temperature, recent infectious viral diseases.
- For blepharitis, which is accompanied by purulent discharge from the eyelids.
- If the patient suffers from severe myopia, he cannot distinguish objects at a far distance.
- If there are malignant formations in the eye area (tumors).
Be sure to consult with your doctor for any contraindications. Perhaps the type of blepharitis you have does not require massage treatment.
The effectiveness of eyelid self-massage
If the specialist’s course has been completed, you can consult with him about performing an independent massage at home. Many doctors advise doing it daily. But they warn about the following rules:
- preliminary hygiene procedures for hands and facial skin;
- movements should be soft, not move the skin from its location, and not cause pain or excessive tension;
- actions must be performed before bedtime 1 time per day, but you can increase the number of massages performed as necessary;
- mandatory use of a nourishing cream that will moisturize the skin and saturate it with useful substances.
If all the above rules are observed, the maximum effect is achieved. Within 1 month of daily massage, the patient will notice the following improvements:
- lack of pallor of the skin in the eye area;
- absence of excessive eye fatigue during prolonged work, especially at the computer;
- improving the quality of the skin, which becomes soft and elastic;
- eliminating the possibility of the formation of early wrinkles or the appearance of new changes in the skin.
If, after performing independent massage movements, the patient experiences pain or discomfort in the eye area, it is recommended to consult a doctor or professional massage therapist. Perhaps a person performs some stage in carrying out actions incorrectly.
What can be combined with self-massage?
Before self-massage, you can use a warm compress. This will increase the effectiveness of the procedure. The method was tested on 30 patients with chronic blepharitis. 70% of them reported an overall improvement in well-being after the first treatment, but 73% required three repetitions. 13% noticed a significant difference after only 4 massages.
A warm compress from a towel was applied for 10 minutes, and then the eyelids were massaged using a glass rod.
You can also use castor oil between eyelid massages to treat inflamed areas. It is applied in a small amount to the area using a cotton swab and left overnight.
Note! This method will not cure your eyelids, but it will relieve the painful symptoms of blepharitis, temporarily relieve inflammation, and reduce swelling.
Manual massage technique
In order to prevent your eyes from getting a bacterial infection during a massage, you need to prepare for it. To do this, the specialist washes his hands with bactericidal soap and also cleans the patient’s skin surfaces. After completing the antiseptic procedures, it is necessary to apply a nourishing mask to the patient’s face.
For the facial massage technique, both hands are used. One of them presses on the temple area, the other makes massage movements. They are carried out according to the following scheme:
- Press the skin in a circular motion in the direction from the temple to the bridge of the nose;
- when pressed, the skin should not move, they should be light;
- first the massage is done for the upper eyelid, and then for the lower;
- after completing the massage movements, it is necessary to pat in the direction from the temple to the wings of the nose, do this for the upper and lower eyelids;
- then massage movements are made along the circular muscles of the eye, without putting too much pressure on the area of the cheekbone and brow ridge; the movements are carried out starting from the inner corner of the eyes clockwise.
At the end of the procedure, a nourishing cream is applied to the facial skin, but not in a thick layer. You can use a structure into which multivitamin complexes are added. This will additionally saturate the skin with useful substances, help increase metabolism and regenerate skin surfaces.
Recommendations for eyelid care during disease and for its prevention
If you have blepharitis, it is not recommended to rinse your eyes with cold or hot water. It is advisable to use water at room temperature. When reading or working with a computer, you need to take breaks every 10-15 minutes to exercise your eyes to avoid drying out. By concentrating on the text, a person blinks less often, making the symptoms of dryness in blepharitis not just uncomfortable, but unbearable.
Note! At the time of blepharitis, it is advisable to abandon contact lenses and replace them with glasses. We also recommend limiting the load on the organ as much as possible. Use relaxing and antibacterial compresses
With blepharitis, you also really want to rub your eyes. To avoid automatically bringing dirty hands to your eyes, place napkins near your work area. This will help.
During treatment, do not use eye cosmetics - mascara, eye shadow. It is also undesirable to use foundation. All this contributes to greater thickening of the secretion.
Bed linen should be changed more often, especially pillowcases. Dry in the apartment or in the washing machine, if a drying function is provided (wherever you want, but not on the street or on the balcony). It is better to iron dry pillowcases before use.