Some people believe that when eyes are swollen, the first thing to do is apply a hot compress. This is thought not only to alleviate the swelling but also to soothe the pain and tension around the eyes. However, this approach is not advisable.
In fact, if the redness and swelling are caused by minor trauma, with only a small number of capillaries in the eyeball rupturing and minimal bleeding, the bruising is typically absorbed by the body on its own, and recovery can be expected soon.
However, if handled improperly—by persisting with hot compresses on the eye—it can cause the blood vessels in the eye to dilate, accelerate blood circulation, and lead to significant re-bleeding that blocks the corner of the eye. This can result in increased intraocular pressure, secondary glaucoma, and in severe cases, may even cause blindness.