This type of product is often a trial & error process. We do our best to make the return process convenient. But we also suggest that you consider buying two or more at once and sending back what doesn't work out, or at least reaching out for advice first.
Suggested products in this category to try:
Tranquileyes
Eyeseals 4.0 (foamless shield, larger)
Quartz or Onyix (foamless, small and lightweight)
Blinkjoy (large cushioned sleep mask with silicone inserts)
Updated April 2024
NOTE: All of my discussion about Tranquileyes on this page is directed specifically at overnight dry eye protection. For information about Tranquileyes as a warm moist compress using Thermoeyes heat inserts, please see Tranquileyes Advanced kit - which is unfortunately now only available in XL size.
Tranquileyes is the original Eye Eco product for night dry eye protection and warm compresses, launched in the early 2000s. At that time, it was revolutionary - up till then, the only thing doctors ever seemed to recommend for overnight dry eye protection was more, and more, and more ointment. Or taping the eyelids shut if it got really bad.
For nearly 20 years, Eye Eco (run by Suzanne Paulson, now retired) continued innovating new products for night dry eye protection and they made huge strides towards addressing a wider range of fitting requirements and niche user needs. The company was recently sold, and the product line has been trimmed down pretty drastically, particularly as regards accessories.
Tranquileyes remains a very important tool both for night protection for people with severe symptoms (particularly aqueous deficient dry eye types such as auto-immune conditions such as Sjögrens) and as an effective and comfortable warm moist compress.
As a protective device worn while sleeping, Tranquileyes offers a unique combination of advantages:
Deep foam seal: Viscoelastic ("memory") foam conforms perfectly to the contours of the face.
Removable moisture pad: Pads made of the same foam are removed, wetted and replaced in the goggle to add maximal moisture to last through the night.
Potential for light pressure on the lids: For users whose lids do not fully close (a common problem called nocturnal lagophthalmos - not always a problem on its own, but can be serious in conjunction with dry eye), the pads may be helpful in holding the lids closed, depending on fit. Fit can also be customized by trimming the pads. (2024 update: Unfortunately, the new company no longer sells replacement pads, which may limit this option.)
How do you decide which night product to try first? How do you determine whether Tranquileyes is really the best one to start with? Well, honestly, at the end of the day it will be all about trial and error - most people don't know until they try something what their tolerance will be or whether a product will be compatible with their sleep style.
And the answers are not always intuitive. For example, I speak frequently with people who have poor eyelid closure at night (Bell's palsy, complications from blepharoplasty and a variety of other situations). Often they are convinced they need something that will hold their lids down, but in practice they often find that they cannot sleep, or that whatever holds their lids down might slip and give them a nasty abrasion. So the answer may actually be a vaulting type of shield that maximizes moisture to prevent damage from exposure but without anything coming near the eyes themselves.
Please see our Product Guide: Night Dry Eye Protection Devices for suggested guidelines on product choices.
Best uses
In my opinion, patients most likely to be successful with Tranquileyes for overnight use are:
Severe dry eye patients intent on maximizing moisture retention overnight, AND
Small to medium sizing, AND
Are used to wearing a blackout sleep mask at night OR are confident they can tolerate some extra bulk over their eye area overnight, AND
Do not have any extreme material or chemical sensitivities
Potential limitations
Foam: Occasionally people have skin reactions to the foam. It's a lovely high quality foam, and this does not happen often, but enough to be aware that it's a possibility.
Sizing: People with larger orbits may find the cushions rest too close to their eyes; people with eyes set unusually close together or far apart may find the nose bridge does not work for them. You may need a different product - check out Eyeseals 4.0 and Blinkjoy.
Pressure on eyes: The moisture pads can press down uncomfortably. This may be easily remedied by customizing the foam fit, but for some users any contact with the lids will be undesirable.
Cost: This is particularly an issue since replacement foams are no longer available. You may need to replace the entire goggle frequently.
Changes, changes
With the new ownership of Eye Eco came a lot of changes, which are now unfortunately limiting accessibility and some of the applications. Changes to the Tranquileyes product line include:
All "standard" size Tranquileyes kits have been discontinued. Only the "Mini" (which, on our site, we just call Tranquileyes) remains.
The XL size Tranquileyes kits designed for night time use, i.e. without all the heat packs and such, are no longer sold.
The spare foam sets are no longer sold.
The replacement straps are no longer sold.
All colors except blue have been discontinued.
Kits with the eye mist have been discontinued.
Accessories such as storage bags and net wash bags for the foam have been discontinued.
We recognize that change is inevitable but for us, these are very sad losses - these products have been used and loved for a very long time. The highest impact loss is the replacement foam pads, which we found very hard to understand. These pads have to be replaced regularly for hygiene's sake, and having to replace the entire goggle frequently means higher cost and a lot of waste. However, this is our new reality
