Are There Any Eye Massager Side Effects? Are They Safe?
Are there side effects from using an eye massager and are they safe to use for most people?
These massage machines are now very popular to help sleep, relaxation and for perceived cosmetic reasons.
Short answer to Are There Any Eye Massager Side Effects? Are They Safe?:
Long answer: Read on for an in-depth review of the possible negative and positive side effects of using an eye massager
How does an eye massager work?
There are different styles of eye massager, such as those shaped like an eye mask or a full helmet with added neck massage function like the 2 shown below.
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Both types of eye massager uses pressure and heat to massage the muscles surrounding the eyes, the pressure points, eye sockets and temples.
Most of these devices are designed to shut out light so you are able to relax and even with some massagers, listen to music because of a Bluetooth function during your massage. The Renpho massager below has this function.
They all use techniques used in acupressure to increase blood flow and therefore oxygen to the eye area and brain. The
Using kneading or rolling compression, along with heat, the device can simulate blood flow and reduce eye fatigue.
Stress in and around the eye sockets and temples is reduced due to the gentle compression mechanism. Each massager usually has small airbags which inflate and deflate and the added heat features also help to reduce strain and pain.
The remote control makes it super easy to regulate the intensity and length of the massage/
Are eye massagers safe?
Yes they are safe to use and the massaging mechanisms are gentle and designed to massage specific areas of strain around the eyes and temples. They are easy to use but finding a massager which fits you comfotably is the main issue.
If you want to take a look at a few recommended eye massagers under $100 click here for a general roundup.
How to use an electric eye massager
Find a comfortable sitting or lying position without any distractions such as the tv or children! Become familiar with the different massage settings before you put it on. The remote controls make this super easy.
Fit the massager to your head, and switch it on! Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Do eye massagers work?
Yes they give a gentle relaxing massage. They are also useful to relieve headaches, migraines, puffy eyes and general fatigue of the eyes. If you work looking at a computer screen for hours they are great to reduce strain and give your eyes a rest whilst gently massaging the eye muscles.
They are also a great excuse to shut the world out and have some time just for you with no distractions. People, and children are less likely to disturb you if you are wearing a full eye or head massager!
Eye Massager benefits – are there any?
There are many benefits to using an eye massager. Many people who use them find it makes sleeping easier. Headaches and eye strain is reduces especially if you spend long hours looking at a computer screen.
Eye massager side effects for older adults
Positive:
These massagers are easy to use, great for older adults who may have issues with their vision such as cataracts.
Most people of a certain age have some deterioration in vision so having a gentle massage after trying to find the three pairs of glasses you need to read, see distance etc. i spend my day looking for various glasses I have around the house then find them perched on top of my head!
An eye and temple massage is always relaxing and can reduce anxiety and give a general feeling of well-being.
It is important to remember that often touch is lost when someone is elderly. They can be isolated and alone and never feel the touch of another person, unless they have personal care in a nursing setting. These massagers can mimic human touch which is not to be underestimated for someone who feels alone.
Negative:
If someone has dome memory issues they may find these eye massagers too scary to use. Often there is sensory issues with especially Dementia and Alzheimers so if you give an eye massager to an elderly relative who suffers from this type of disease they may not be suitable.
It is definitely worth trying though. Anything that brings some pleasure to someone who is scared, confused and feels alone is always worth it.
Eye massager side effects for dry eyes
Positive:
Dry eyes can be distressing as the eye needs tears to lubricate and remain healthy. Reduced circulation and tension in the muscles surrounding the eyes can reduce the health of the eyes. So having a regular gentle massage can help relax the muscles and alleviate this.
Most good quality eye massagers also have a heat function which is like placing a warm compress over your eyes. This warms the area and the gentle vibration increases blood flow. This relaxes the tissues and muscles and allows oxygenated blood to flow in with nutrients to repair and relax the muscles.
Negative:
There aren’t any really! Unless you suffer from claustrophobia as some people feel constrained by having something over their eyes.
Eye massager side effects for eye bags
Positive:
There may be many reasons for having puffy eyes including, fluid retention, allergies, stress, crying, fatigue and ageing. Using an eye massager increases the blood flow of oxygenated blood in and around the eyes and temples.
A gentle massage of the temples and stimulating the trigger points around the eyes relieves tension in the whole head and sinus passages which reduces puffiness.
Negative:
The only negative may be the initial start of the massage if you have never used a full mask massager as there may be some anxiety about using anything mechanical around the eyes. Once you are used to the sensations you will be able to relax and enjoy the feeling.
Eye massager side effects for dark circles
Positive:
Dark circles under and around they eyes can indicate some deficiencies so you should consult your doctor if you have this for any length of time.
They may be caused by an iron deficiency which is a type of anaemia which in turn is due to reduced oxygen in the blood.
Oxygen is obviously important for healthy tissues. By using an eye massager alone this will not influence anaemia but along with a change in diet and prescribed iron the massage around the eyes will promote oxygenated blood to perfuse the tissues around the eye.
Negative:
There aren’t any specific negatives to using an eye massager for dark circles under the eye. All is good!
Eye massager side effects for puffiness
Positive:
Ageing is the most common cause of bags and puffiness under the eyes. There isn’t much you can do about ageing but fluid retention stress, thyroid disease, fatigue, smoking and sleep deprivation are common factors too.
By using an eye massager you can increase the blood flow around the eyes, which in turn will reduce fluid retention and stress and tightness in the ocular muscles.
Negative:
There aren’t any inherent dangers or contraindications to using an eye massager for puffy baggy eyes.
Eye massager side effects for headaches
Positive:
Obviously there are a thousnad and one reasons for headaches but common are stress, lack of sleep, using a computer for hours and many many more.
Using an eye massager you not only increase the blood flow around the eyes but this in turn increase blood flow to the brain. It gives a general feeling of well-being and relaxation By targeting trigger points on the temple it is similar to massaging your temples naturally when you feel a headache coming on.
Negative:
There really aren’t any!
Eye massager side effects for wrinkles
Positive:
Wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes are part of ageing as the skin becomes less elastic with age. Massaging the ocular muscles and temples will alleviate the signs of ageing to a certain extent. Massaging the muscles of the temples and eye profuses the area with oxygenated blood and nutrients.
Negative:
There aren’t any!
What is the best eye massager?
This depends on what you want from the massage. Most eye massagers do the same job. The comfort and design of these massagers is much the same.
If your budget will stretch to a top of the range eye massager you will find the functionality more advanced. The added heat setting will enhance any massage around the eyes.
They are by their nature relaxing and promote the happy hormones which give you an overall feeling of well being and help sleep.
My favourite eye massager is the Breo iDream5 Eye massager (Amazon link) but it is very expensive! So the one I would try for your first electric eye massager is the Breo iSee4 Electric Portable Eye Massager with Heat – here is the link on Amazon.
I have listed some examples of cheaper eye massagers under $100 in this post – Recommended Head, Face and Eye Massagers Under $100
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