What is the role of warm compresses in treating chalazion and hordeolum?

• A. Sterilize the lesion.
• B. They help promote drainage and relieve symptoms.
• C. Eliminate systemic infection.
• D. Replace the need for surgery.

Answer: (B)

Warm compresses work by delivering gentle heat and moisture to the eyelids, which helps loosen and soften the sticky secretions that block the Meibomian glands. This increased ductal opening allows trapped material to drain more easily and reduces eyelid swelling and discomfort. In a chalazion, which is a chronic blockage of a Meibomian gland, this promotes drainage of the lipid material and can decrease the inflammatory mass. In a hordeolum, an acute infection of a lash follicle or gland, warming helps liquefy the purulent material and facilitates drainage, relieving pain and swelling and supporting concurrent treatments like topical antibiotics if used. Warmth does not sterilize bacteria, nor does it eliminate systemic infection, and it doesn’t replace the need for surgery in persistent or recurrent cases. It’s a first-line, noninvasive measure to relieve symptoms and assist drainage, typically used several times a day for about 5–10 minutes with a clean, warm cloth.