How To Treat Graves' Disease

Cool Compresses On The Eyes

Cool compresses on the eyes could feel soothing for patients with eye irritation and eye pain from Graves' ophthalmopathy. The compresses can provide additional moisture for dry eyes. To make a compress, patients should wet a towel or washcloth with cool water, and squeeze out any excess water so the towel is damp. Then, they should place the damp towel in the refrigerator until it is cold. After taking it out of the refrigerator, they must hold it over their eyes while sitting or lying down. Generally, compresses can be used as often as needed, and many patients like to use them three to four times a day. A clean cloth or towel should be used for each compress. To reduce the risk of infection, it is best to avoid reusing the same cloth compress for longer than twenty-four hours. If a cool gel pack is used in place of cloth, this should be thoroughly cleaned between uses. Patients should always ask their doctor if they experience any changes in their eye symptoms after using a compress.