7 best eye massagers to boost relaxation and relieve tension, according to health care experts

Quick picks

Editor Favorite

Renpho Eyeris Caligo Eye Massager

Renpho Eyeris Caligo Eye Massager
Renpho

Miko Gaze Eye Massager

Miko Gaze Eye Massager With Heat
Target

Geske Warm & Cool Eye Energizer

Geske Warm & Cool Eye Energizer
Amazon

While face masks and fuzzy slippers will forever be self-care staples, high-tech gadgets like red light therapy face masks and blood-circulating recovery boots are now taking over the wellness space. Another innovative product taking the self-care world by storm? Automatic eye massagers.

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These pain-relief tools promise to mend headaches and promote relaxation, but are they just another gimmick or are there real benefits to using them? To find out, we tapped health care experts who gave their opinions on whether these massagers are worth investing in. We also included a couple of our favorites that we’ve tried.

Person wearing the Renpho Eyeris 1 Smart Eye Massager and Heat Mask.
Rachel Quigley/CNN Underscored

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Best eye massagers

Editor Favorite

Renpho Eyeris Caligo Eye Massager

Renpho Eyeris Caligo Eye Massager
Renpho

This lightweight eye massager not only uses compression and vibration to relieve tension, but also has a detachable misting module. Our fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said this feature is particularly useful for relieving the dryness and itchiness that comes from wearing contacts. “I’ve been a fan of Renpho’s heated eye massager for a couple of years, so I had high hopes for the Eyeris Caligo but I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the misting feature,” Shaw said. “It’s emitted in a super-fine, gentle mist that’s completely comfortable on my eyes (no squirting or dripping) and helps calm any irritation.”


Its sliding temple cushions can be moved forward or backward for a more targeted treatment, and it offers three pressure levels. It can even save previous settings for faster setup and stream music for a truly relaxing experience. Though I haven’t tried this eye massager, I like the Renpho x Headspace Eyeris Zen, which has some similar features and also comes with built-in meditation sessions from Headspace.

$130 $100 at Renpho
Prime Day Deal

Renpho Eyeris 1 Eye Massager

Renpho Eyeris 1 Eye Massager
Renpho

If you’re not interested in a massager with a misting module like the Renpho Eyeris Caligo, this is a more affordable option with similar features. Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Hadley King Dermatology, recommends checking out this Bluetooth-compatible device. It uses a combination of vibration, air pressure and three levels of heat to lull you into a relaxed state and minimize puffiness around the eyes.


Dr. Alexander Martin, an optometrist and the chief medical officer at Eyebot, also gives this device his stamp of approval. “[It’s an] excellent choice for general eye strain relief and relaxation without a high price point,” Martin said. Also worth noting: The Renpho massager has a built-in speaker so you can enhance your experience with a podcast, music or an audiobook.

$66 From $60 at Amazon
$75 $63 at Renpho
Editor Favorite

Therabody SmartGoggles (2nd Gen)

Therabody SmartGoggles (2nd Gen)
Therabody

I’ve dozed off a number of times with this gadget still attached to my head, so I can confirm it offers genuine relaxation benefits, and I’m not the only CNN Underscored staffer to think that. Our associate programming editor Kevin Martinez also loves using this eye massager to unwind. “It’s become a part of my end-of-week ritual where as soon as I sign off at the end of the day, I put these on and drift into comfort,” he said.


The second iteration of the Therabody SmartGoggles relies on a combination of compression, gentle heat and vibration to leave you feeling relaxed while it gently kneads eyes to relieve tension. Dr. Jenna Queller, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks, considers it to be a worthwhile science-backed option. “A built-in biometric sensor adjusts intensity in real time based on your heart rate and the full blackout design enhances relaxation,” she said. The accompanying app, which is easy to navigate, gives you access to a library of guided meditations, background noises and soothing soundscapes like rolling waves and light rain. Compared to the first model, this one is lighter, has a blackout design and includes contoured eye padding and adjustable straps for added comfort.

$220 From $170 at Amazon
$220 at Best Buy
$220 at Therabody

Geske Warm & Cool Eye Energizer

Geske Warm & Cool Eye Energizer
Amazon

Unlike the other options on this list, this eye massager from Geske is handheld, making it the perfect alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to strap a large eye mask around their head. You can choose from 10 different massage modes for a customized experience, and the accompanying app gives you access to the brand’s guided videos. Queller recommends this device if you’re specifically interested in a quick fix for waking tired eyes. “It uses warming, cooling and 11,000 sonic pulses per minute to help reduce puffiness, dark circles and signs of fatigue while enhancing absorption of eye creams and wrinkle serums through its companion app,” she said. It also has an ergonomically shaped design that ensures the right amount of pressure is applied to the delicate eye area.

$85 at Amazon
$85 at Ulta Beauty
$85 at Nordstrom
Woman using Esarora ice roller on her face
Sophie Shaw/CNN Underscored

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Miko Gaze Eye Massager

Miko Gaze Eye Massager With Heat
Target

Martin likes this Bluetooth-compatible eye massager from Miko that uses gentle air compression through strategically placed inflatable cushions and heat (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) to help you reset after a long day in front of your computer. Dr. Inna Lazar, a doctor of optometry and founder of Pro Eye Care previously told CNN Underscored that “heat helps dry eyes by stimulating the production and flow of meibum, the oily substance in your tears that prevents evaporation.” To top things off, it has a long battery life, multiple modes and flexible headband for a more custom fit.

$150 at Best Buy
$150 at Nordstrom
$150 at Target

Slf Optic Eye Massager

Slf Optic Eye Massager
Target

The Slf Optic Eye Massager, which has five massage modes, relies on a combination of compression, heat, vibration and sound to help you recharge. According to Martin, its ergonomic design allows the massager to fully reach the eye and temple areas, which can be helpful if you have mild sinus tension. He said gentle air pressure and heat can help temporarily relieve sinus tension (but are not a sinus infection treatment) and boost circulation in the area. We also appreciate that it has integrated audio for a phone-free experience.

$70 at Target

The Blass Beauty Smart Eye Massager

The Blass Beauty Smart Eye Massager
Blass Beauty

This Martin-approved eye massager stands out because of its foldable design that makes it ideal for tossing in a weekender bag or a carry-on suitcase so you can get relief wherever you go. Like many others on this list, it’s also Bluetooth compatible.

$170 $68 at Blass Beauty
Chirp Contour Back Massager
Madison Yerke/CNN Underscored

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How to choose the best eye massager

Decide which functions you want

Eye massagers boast a variety of features from heat therapy to depuffing technology, so it’s important to first decide what your goals are before buying one. Once you figure out which features are most important to you, it will be easier to select a device that can deliver the type of experience or relief you’re after. Below, Queller gave us a rundown of what features to look for, along with their benefits.

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  • Heat: Using gentle heat can help ease eye tension. Warming the eyelids also helps support tear film function, which lubricates and protects eyes from the external environment.
  • Cooling: A cooling function can help reduce under-eye puffiness and minimize redness.
  • Vibration: This setting can enhance circulation in the face, support healthy tissues around the eyes and boost relaxation.
  • Compression: Gentle compression helps support lymphatic drainage and mimics the tension-easing massage effect you’d get from a professional facial.

Look for adjustable intensity levels and adjustable straps

The last thing anyone wants is to sit through an uncomfortable massage experience, especially when your eyes are involved. “Devices with adjustable intensity levels and multiple modes give you more control,” King said. For devices with a heat function, King recommends keeping the temperature between 104 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit (40 to 42 degrees Celsius). According to her, this range is optimal for improving oil flow and anything above this range only risks further damage.

According to Martin, adjustable straps are also key for a more comfortable fit as everyone has different-shaped heads. Some devices even feature adjustable temple cushions for a more plush experience.

Consider weight and ease of cleaning

This goes without saying, but most people probably don’t want an eye massager that weighs down their head. Look for devices that are lightweight and easy to carry, especially if you plan to travel with it. The Renpho Eyeris Caligo Eye Massager for example, weighs just over 2 pounds and has a compact, portable design that makes it easy to toss into a travel backpack. While most of the products on this list are hands-free goggles, there are some handheld tools out there, so that’s something else to consider.

Additionally, King suggests looking for eye massagers that have a removable or wipeable lining for easy cleaning.

Think about audio features

Can it play podcasts or music? Does it have integrated audio, or does it support direct pairing? To help enhance relaxation, Martin recommends looking for eye massagers that offer Bluetooth or audio support. Devices like the Slf Optic Eye Massager offer both direct pairing through Bluetooth connectivity and integrated audio.

Woman using an electric foot massager in her living room
Lindsey Smith/CNN Underscored

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FAQs

The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenna Queller, neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew G. Lee and optometrist Dr. Alexander Martin.

While Martin said there’s no clinical evidence of long-term therapeutic benefits, experts agree eye massagers generally offer immediate, anecdotal reports of relief. According to Queller, eye massagers boast several therapeutic benefits and can be especially useful for anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen or experiences tension around their eyes. “These devices can help relax the muscles, improve blood flow around the orbital area and promote relaxation, which may even support better sleep or headache relief,” Queller said.

Martin added that “they may also include acupressure-mimicking patterns to target key points associated with eye strain and fatigue.” Some of these devices, such as the Geske Warm & Cool Eye Energizer, also target skin concerns by boosting circulation, which can help with puffiness.

Even though eye massagers are generally considered to be safe when used as directed, it’s still worth being aware of any potential risks. According to Dr. Andrew G. Lee, a neuro-ophthalmologist and the chairman of the department of ophthalmology at Houston Methodist Hospital, the main risk, especially in individuals with conditions like high myopia (extreme nearsightedness), is potential damage to the cornea or retinal detachment. He recommends that individuals who have prior damage to their optic nerve from conditions like glaucoma discuss any potential risks with their doctors. Lee added that anyone who recently underwent ocular surgery, has eye inflammation or eye trauma, or is prone to infections should also avoid using an eye massager.

According to Martin, eye massagers can be used for 10 to 15 minutes per session for a few times a week, as overusing the device can lead to irritation or discomfort. To help assess your tolerance, he recommends starting with shorter sessions and using the eye massager on a low intensity. If you start to experience any visual changes after using an eye massager, Lee recommends consulting an eye doctor.

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on eye massagers.

  • Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Hadley King Dermatology
  • Dr. Andrew G. Lee, neuro-ophthalmologist and chairman of the department of ophthalmology at Houston Methodist Hospital
  • Dr. Alexander Martin, optometrist and chief medical officer at Eyebot
  • Dr. Jenna Queller, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed dermatologists and eye care professionals to gain their insights on what to look for when shopping for eye massagers. She also tried the Renpho x Headspace Eyeris Zen and tapped her colleagues for some of their favorites.

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Rachel Dennis Associate Editor, Lifestyle, CNN Underscored

Rachel Dennis is an associate lifestyle editor at CNN Underscored. She oversees the site’s celebrity column, The Essentials, and contributes to lifestyle coverage through roundups and one-off reviews. You can find her watching Lifetime movies, brushing up on her music skills or playing video games.

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