Problems with use and proper care of a Bruder (or similar) moist heat eyelid mask.

As a dry eye specialist who recommends the Bruder masks to my dry eye patients, I like their simplicity, low cost and ease of use. I’ve posted on use of hot, moist compresses before, so this post is more about the Bruder-style mask. I’ve had a few returns for a mask that opens up and bleeds beads in the microwave. There are a few reliable causes, though some do seem to occur spontaneously (most seem to last at least a year or longer with regular use and adequate care).

A few caveats:

- If you wear makeup (especially mascara and/or lid liner), some products contain metals (to give more visual “pop”). Any metal on the mask that goes in the microwave will cause arcing and burn the mask (leaving little or bigger “burn holes” the beads can escape through). Always remove makeup thoroughly before using the mask - or at least use a tissue (or the more expensive disposable covers sold by Bruder and others) to cover the mask when you use it.

- you can gently clean the mask with soapy water and rinse well. Let it fully dry (about a day) before microwaving it again.

- when you have it on for a few minutes and your lids are sufficiently hot, try doing “eyelid crunches” (my term for intermittently squeezing the lids moderately strongly together and then releasing the tension. I find a slow count of “3” on and off squeezing is sufficient if done for a minute or two while the lids are sufficiently warm). This promotes moving the oils that were once cold, thick and “hard” through and out of the glands while the oil is thin and more able to move through the glands.

- avoid heavy pressure over the mask. Light contact with the lids is favored but higher pressure also can put pressure on the eyeballs under the lids (which can raise your eye pressure - not good if you are prone to glaucoma).

- you are likely to notice a feeling of greasy oil in your eyes (that can also be somewhat blurring) for several minutes after you remove the mask (especially if you’ve expelled a good dose of waxy oils).

As usual, consult your dry eye specialist for proper care of your particular condition.