Blepha EyeBag®

The Blepha EyeBag® is a reusable eye mask made of natural materials, containing no plastic.

The Blepha EyeBag® is made of natural silver silk on one side and a thick black 100% cotton fabric (called moleskin because of its texture) on the other. It is filled with untreated flax seeds (linseed), which are used because of their size, shape and density.

These properties allow the Blepha EyeBag® to settle down into position easily and conform well to different face shapes whilst maintaining the right temperature throughout usage. Flax does not give off an unpleasant odour when warmed in the microwave, and no aromatic or herb fragrances are added to the Blepha EyeBag®.

For the first 2 weeks, use your Blepha EyeBag® twice a day, in the morning and evening, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. After the first 2 weeks, this can be reduced to around 3 to 4 times a week, but you can adjust the frequency of use according to the severity of your symptoms or your healthcare professional’s recommendation.

Before using Blepha EyeBag®:

• Ensure it has no defects • Always remove prescription glasses or contact lenses • Carefully wash your hands, face and eyelids • Remove any makeup

Blepha EyeBag® is suitable for both adults (including if pregnant or breastfeeding) and is suitable for children from the age of 3 years old – parents or carers should handle and warm the product.

BEFORE FIRST USE: Remove Blepha EyeBag® from the box and place it on a clean, dry microwaveable plate. Always check that the dish or plate you use is completely clean since small food residue can become very hot and these “hot spots” might cause small burns in the Blepha EyeBag® material.

Heat your Blepha Eyebag® for 1 minute on full power and leave to cool completely.

FOR ALL FURTHER USES: STEP 1: Place Blepha EyeBag® in a microwave as described above and heat according to the power of your microwave as shown below:

Caution: if your microwave is greater than 1000W, you may need to reduce the time. Only reheat from room temperature. Further heating a Blepha EyeBag® which is already hot can be dangerous and lead to overheating. Always allow the Blepha EyeBag® to cool fully before reheating.

Make sure you only set your microwave for 30 seconds, and not 30 minutes! Stay by your microwave while it is heating. Do not use the metal griddle supplied with some microwaves, as this may burn your Blepha EyeBag®.

STEP 2: Shake the Blepha EyeBag® to evenly spread the linseeds inside the mask and help the heat spread.

STEP 3: Check that the Blepha EyeBag® is comfortably warm but not too hot before placing it over the closed eyelids. Carefully check the temperature on the grey silk side by pressing Blepha EyeBag® against your wrist. If it is too hot, wait a few minutes and check the temperature again before applying it to the eyes.

STEP 4: When the temperature is comfortably warm, lie back and apply the mask to closed eyes.

Use either side according to your preference. Relax with Blepha EyeBag® in place for 5 to 10 minutes. The black side will be cooler, and you may wish to switch to the silk side during the 10 minutes.

STEP 5: Remove Blepha EyeBag® from your eyes. It is normal to observe skin redness after use due to the warming effect of the mask.

STEP 6: Immediately after warming, massage the closed eyelids to release the oil from the Meibomian glands. Repeat this several times for about 30 seconds.

STEP 7: You can also cleanse your eyelids with an eyelid cleansing product such as Blephasol® or Blephaclean PF® and gently massage them after the use of Blepha EyeBag®.

STEP 8: Always put Blepha EyeBag® back in its box after use to keep it clean, dry, and safe.

When the heated Blepha EyeBag® is applied to the upper face covering the closed eyelids, it warms through the eyelids, softening and melting the meibomian secretions, releasing them onto the surface of the eye and providing instant relief.

If you use our hydrating dry eye drops like Thealoz® Duo to help relieve the symptoms of dry eye, you would benefit from using the Blepha EyeBag® as part of your regular eye care routine. You may also use Blephaclean® PF for wiping away any crusts or secretions.

Ophthalmologists recommend warming the eye as the first step of an eyelid cleansing routine in cases of MGD, blepharitis and related conditions such as dry eye, chalazion and stye.

Some people can have mild dysfunction of the meibomian glands while others have more severe meibomian gland problems with chronic long-term inflammation of the eyelids. It is normal to adjust your use of the Blepha EyeBag® depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Contact Lens Practitioner or GP may explain to you how severe your meibomian gland dysfunction is and advise you on how often to use the Blepha EyeBag®.

Typically people use the heated Blepha EyeBag® for 5-10 minutes twice a day for the first two weeks and then once a day as needed thereafter.

1. What is the Blepha EyeBag®?

Blepha EyeBag® is an easy-to-use and pleasant warming mask that can be used daily to make the eyelids feel more comfortable.

In the edges of the upper and lower eyelids, there are small glands known as the Meibomian glands. These glands secrete an oily substance needed to lubricate the front of the eye and allow the tear film to spread effectively.

When the glands are not functioning normally, the oil turns to a thick grease and clogs up the glands. This means the front of the eye is not well lubricated.

Ophthalmologists recommend warming the eye as the first step of an eyelid cleansing routine in cases of MGD, blepharitis and related conditions such as dry eye, chalazion and stye.

By its warming action, Blepha EyeBag® contributes to a natural and healthy eye by helping to release the blocked lipids and allowing them to spread across the eye’s surface. By doing so, it reduces water evaporation, which helps keep the eyes hydrated. Blepha EyeBag® provides long-lasting relief from symptoms such as dry eye sensation, eye discomfort, tired or sore eyes, red eye, grittiness, foreign body sensation and stinging. It also soothes swollen and inflamed eyelids.

Blepha EyeBag® was developed by an ophthalmologist and its safety and effectiveness have been proven in several clinical studies.

2. How long does the Blepha EyeBag® last?

The Blepha EyeBag® can be re-heated around 200 times in a microwave. Your Blepha EyeBag® will typically need replacing after about 6 months of regular use.

3. What are the risks?

The Blepha EyeBag® should not be used if the skin around the eyes is broken or bleeding.

If you have a known hypersensitivity to flax or linseed, then avoid use. Linseed sensitivity is very rare and appears to affect only one person in one hundred thousand. In the event of increased eye irritation or itchiness, cease the use of the Blepha EyeBag®.

4. How do I clean the Blepha EyeBag®?

Rigorous research confirms that the Blepha EyeBag® is safely decontaminated each time it is heated by microwave, immediately before use*.

Washing powders and detergents, especially bioactive products, can cause a type of dermatitis and skin irritation. This can be particularly unpleasant when it affects the delicate skin of the eyelids. It is best to avoid contamination of the eyelid skin with any of these washing products.

Stains on the surface of Blepha EyeBag® after use are normal and harmless. Wet wipes should not be used to clean the surface of Blepha EyeBag®.

If you use our hydrating dry eye drops like Thealoz® Duo to help relieve the symptoms of dry eye, you would benefit from using the Blepha EyeBag® on the same regular basis.

*Microwave decontamination of eyelid warming devices for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 39 (2016) 293-297. Paramdeep Bilkhu, James S. Wolffsohn, Anthony Hilton, Gabrielle Matthews, Simon Legood, Liam Riley.

5. Can I use the Blepha EyeBag® if I wear contact lenses?

Yes, you can use the Blepha EyeBag® if you wear contact lenses. However, any contact lenses should be removed before using the Blepha EyeBag®.

6. How does the Blepha EyeBag®relieve dry eye conditions?

When the heated Blepha EyeBag® is applied to the upper face, covering closed eyelids, it warms through the eyelids, softening and melting the oily meibomian secretions, releasing them onto the surface of the eye, retaining water on your eye’s surface and giving instant relief.

7. Can Blepha EyeBag® be used for children?

Yes, children aged 3+ years can use Blepha EyeBag®. It must be handled and warmed by a parent or carer.

8. Does the Blepha EyeBag® have a strap?

To avoid discomfort and allow the Blepha EyeBag® to properly conform to the contours of the face, there is no strap.

9. Can I use the Blepha EyeBag® when wearing makeup?

Any makeup on the eyes or face must be removed before using the Blepha EyeBag®.