Efficacy and safety of infrared warming of the eyelids.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate our newly developed infrared heater (IRH) and compare it to a broad-spectrum heater (BSH) for warming the eyelids.


METHODS
Ten normal subjects were enrolled in this study. All measurements were recorded in a room with temperature 23 degrees C, 40% humidity, and no wind. The IRH is composed of two hard eye patches that have light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting near-infrared radiation. We first compared the temperature rises in the cornea, lacrimal gland, and eyelids after warming through closed eyelids with the IRH for 5 and 10 min. Next, we compared warming with the IRH or BSH for 30 min. We then used the IRH for 5 min with the eyes open to confirm its safety. Finally, we determined subjective feeling after warming the eyes.


RESULTS
Direct comparison of 5 versus 10 min of warming with the IRH showed no significant differences in temperature rises in the upper eyelid (p = 0.09). The IRH caused significantly more heating (p < 0.05) than did the BSH everywhere except the cornea. The temperatures never rose above 37.7 degrees C for either heater during 30 min or with the IRH with the eyes open for 5 min. The subjects' comfort level rose significantly (p < 0.05) after treatment with the IRH.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed the efficacy and safety of warming the eyelids with a newly developed IRH. Only 5 min is necessary to increase ocular temperature and enhance comfort.
Mori
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Oguchi
Y
Y
Goto
E
E
Nakamori
K
K
Ohtsuki
T
T
Egami
F
F
Shimazaki
J
J
Tsubota
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D005143:Eyelids; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008297:Male; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013817:Thermography