One of our members went to dry eye clinic recently and they recommended using Glad Press-N Seal as an overnight eye mask for keeping eyes closed and moist. She has tried it out and shared this report: “I tear off a strip maybe 3 inches wide, put some ointment in each eye, then close my eyes and stick the strip to my skin over my eye area. The strip creates a seal, and the heat of my body produces humidity. When I wake up, I gently peel it off from the top down, wash my face, and put in some eye drops. Other than waking up in a panic the first night and ripping it off, LOL, so far so good. No straps to mess with, it stays put all night, and it’s easier than the tape.”
With regard to eye ointment, she uses Systane nighttime preservative free. It contains mineral Oil 3%, white petrolatum 94%, and anhydrous liquid lanolin 3%.
Do you have favorite tips and products that help you reduce the irritation of dry eyes? Please share them in the comments section.
Thanks for sharing this info. I tried the tape and it didn’t work as well as it was a nightmare taking off the tape. Do cover the eyelid completely? I really want to try this but am not sure how to do it.
I believe the glad wrap is used to cover the eyes completely. It should adhere well to your face yet peel off easily.
Yes, I tear off about 3 or 4 inches, enough to cover from my mid-forehead to the tip of my nose, then I put in some eye ointment, close my eyes, and press the strip to cover my eyes completely. It’s ok to have some air pockets around the eye ares–humidity will collect due to the seal and your body heat. I hope this helps!
Can you use holiday version as eye mask with gel. It’s alittle thicker snd stays on better for me. Is the dye in designs safe or no idea.
I tried it last night. It worked great and pulled off easily. However, I have two questions. 1- How do you cut the Press’n Seal into 3″ pieces? I tried cutting it with scissors….they got all gummy. 2- I sleep on my stomach so one eye always lays against my pillow. So the Press’n Seal really sticks to my face. In the morning after I pull it off (which is very easy) I have a lot of sticky residue left on my face. What do you use to remove the sticky residue?.
HI, Vicki. I’m glad it is working for you! I just tear 3 or 4 inches off the roll (enough to cover from mid forehead down to the tip of my nose) using the serated edge of the box, just like I would if I were using it for kitchen use. As far as the waxy residue it leaves on my face, I just wash my face with a washcloth and soap and water and haven’t had any trouble (if it makes any difference, the face soap I use is Trader Joe’s face wash, which has castille soap as the first ingredient, followed by coconut oil – maybe there is something about that formulation?). Besh wishes!
At any hobby store you can buy scissors for cutting tape. These will not stick to the Press and Seal plastic.
I just read this page today and I will try tonight ! I tried to sleep with a head band around the eyes but it pressed on the eyes and disturbed my sleep. So I sleep without anything, except ointment with vitamin A in the eyes, and my eyes are red and with tear drops in the morning.
Thank you for this new idea !
I tried… but the film I use in the kitchen is not sticky enough. It’s probably different from the one you have in the US. I will try the night cap you mentioned in your next article. Thank you for all these tips !
My optometrist referred me to an ophthalmologist who specializes in eyelid issues. He put plugs in my tear ducts, a very quick, totally painless procedure. I haven’t really used drops since, and, although the doctor told me that the plugs eventually fall out, I believe they are still in (although I’ve never felt them since they were inserted, at least 2-3 years ago.) AND my insurance covered all of it. When I see the optometrist, mostly for glaucoma checks (runs in my family), I ask her to check and tell me that the plugs are still in.
I tried punctal plugs – they were so painful, I had to get them taken out just a few days later 😞💜
Has no one of you considered eyelid weights (lidloading)? If so, why not?
Surgically placing gold weights in the eyelids is a remedy that has been discussed at some of our educational meetings. Other approaches include implanting mesh in the lower lid to support it, and plugging the tear ducts to reduce eye dryness.