Eye Compress (Sterile) 

Purpose: 

To relieve pain and provide comfort, relieve inflammation and congestion, treat infection, and promote healing. 

Cold Compresses 

Equipment: 

1. Sterile compresses (4 x 4s) 

2. Basin with ice and water 

3. Sterile basin with sterile water or solution as ordered 

4. Small plastic protector 

5. Towel 

6. Sterile gloves 

7. Plastic bag 

8. Medication as ordered 

9. Sterile dressing if necessary 

Procedure: 

I. Performed by licensed staff only. 

II. Place resident in a comfortable position. Use only one pillow under head. Screen for privacy. 

III. Place towel under resident’s head. Remove soiled dressing and discard appropriately. 

IV. Open sterile compresses. Use cover to create a sterile field. 

V. Put on the sterile gloves. 

VI. Have resident turn head toward the affected side. 

VII. Moisten compresses and wring dry. 

VIII. Apply compress gently over eyelid and cheeks. 

IX. Change compress every 30 to 60 seconds. Do not reuse. 

X. Place used compresses in plastic bag. 

XI. Dry eyelid, using sterile technique and apply medication if ordered. 

XII. Remove towel. Discard linen properly. 

XIII. Redress eye, if ordered, using sterile technique. 

XIV. Leave resident in a comfortable position with call light within reach. 

Warm Compresses 

Equipment: 

10. Sterile compresses (4 x 4s) 

11. Basin with hot water 

12. Sterile basin with solution in hot water 

13. Small plastic protector 

14. Towel 

15. Sterile gloves 

16. Plastic bag 

17. Medication as ordered 

18. Sterile dressing if necessary 

Procedure: 

I. Performed by licensed staff only. 

II. Place resident in a comfortable position. Use only one pillow under head. Screen for privacy. 

III. Place towel under resident’s head. Remove soiled dressing and discard appropriately. 

IV. Open sterile compresses. Use cover to create a sterile field. 

V. Put on the sterile gloves. 

VI. Have resident turn head toward the affected side. 

VII. Moisten compresses and wring dry. 

VIII. Apply compress gently over eyelid and cheeks. 

IX. Change compress every 30 to 60 seconds. Do not reuse. 

X. Place used compresses in plastic bag. 

XI. Dry eyelid, using sterile technique and apply medication if ordered. 

XII. Remove towel. Discard linen properly. 

XIII. Redress eye, if ordered, using sterile technique. 

XIV. Leave resident in a comfortable position with call light within reach. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the eye compress procedure, including the resident’s response and any observations, in their medical record. 

• Note any abnormalities or difficulties encountered during the procedure. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for applying eye compresses according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper eye compress procedures to ensure resident safety and comfort. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.