Tea Bags on the Eyes: Which Benefits Are Real and When Should You Be Careful?
A stye usually appears as a red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. A chalazion forms when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and may appear as a lump, with little or no pain.
Safir Arjan - Placing cold or warm tea bags on closed eyelids is a home method for temporary relief of puffiness and discomfort around the eyes. However, scientific evidence about the specific benefits of tea bags is limited and should not be considered as a substitute for treating eye diseases.
A cold compress can help temporarily reduce eyelid puffiness and discomfort, and a warm compress is also useful for some eyelid problems, such as cilia and chalazion. Importantly, most of these benefits are related to the temperature of the compress, not necessarily the compounds in the tea.
cold compress; A way to reduce eye puffiness
A cold compress temporarily constricts superficial blood vessels and may reduce mild puffiness and swelling around the eyes.
This method can also help temporarily relieve itching and discomfort caused by certain irritations. However, there is not enough evidence to show that tea bags specifically eliminate dark circles under the eyes. The darkness of this area may be related to genetics, lack of sleep, allergies or increased skin pigmentation.
In case of eye redness, discharge or possible infection, using tea bags as a treatment is not recommended; Because it may transfer the contamination to the eye area.
warm compress; Help with eyelid gland problems
Warm compress is one of the common methods of taking care of some eyelid problems. Gentle heat can soften the secretions of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid and help improve the condition of some disorders in this area.
Cysts usually appear as a red and painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. Chalazion is also caused by the blockage of the fat gland of the eyelid and may be seen as a lump with little or no pain.
A warm, clean compress on the closed eyelid can help improve these problems. For this purpose, using a clean cloth and mild warm water is a more appropriate choice of tea bags. Do not press the eyelid mass and do not try to drain it.
Blepharitis is called inflammation of the edge of the eyelid and may be accompanied by redness, peeling and a burning sensation. Warm compresses and hygiene of the eyelids in some cases help to reduce the symptoms.
In people with dry eyes, a warm compress may help to reduce the evaporation of tears by improving the function of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid. But the treatment of dry eye depends on its cause and may require artificial tears or other treatment methods.
What are the ingredients of green and black tea?
Green and black tea contain polyphenols; Compounds that have been investigated in laboratory studies for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea also contains caffeine.
However, the effects observed in laboratory or oral tea consumption studies cannot be directly extrapolated to placing tea bags on the eyelid. There is insufficient evidence to prove that this method prevents chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma or improves vision.
Are chamomile and marigold tea good for the eyes?
Chamomile and calendula are used in some skin care products and their ingredients have been tested in laboratory studies. However, there is not enough clinical evidence to recommend the tea of these plants as a treatment for eye diseases.
These plants may also cause allergic reactions in some people. For this reason, direct contact of herbal tea with the eyes or using it to wash the eyes is not recommended.
A safe way to use hot and cold compresses
To reduce puffiness, moisten a clean cloth with cool water and place it on closed eyelids for a few minutes. For eyelash flower or chalazion, leave the clean and warm cloth on the closed eyelid for about 10 to 15 minutes and warm it again if it gets cold. The temperature of the compress should be mild so as not to damage the sensitive skin of the eyelid.
If symptoms worsen or do not improve despite the use of compresses, medical evaluation is necessary.
When should you see a doctor?
Severe eye pain, sudden reduction or blurring of vision, extreme sensitivity to light, significant redness, or swelling that is spreading requires immediate evaluation. In case of contaminated substances entering the eyes or the possibility of infection, home treatment should not be limited.
To care for the eyes, avoid placing hot tea bags, reusing tea bags and contact the tea liquid with the eye surface. A clean compress and proper water, without added herbal ingredients, is a safer choice. If the symptoms persist or if there is an eye disease, consult a doctor or eye specialist before continuing the home treatment.