Eyelid Hygiene – why you should care

What is proper eyelid hygiene?

Eyelid hygiene is keeping the eye area clean and involves processes such as removing traces of eye makeup and using lid wipes to remove bacteria on the lid margins. There are many ways to maintain good lid hygiene.

Why do I need to carry out eyelid hygiene?

It’s important to carry out eyelid hygiene in order to prevent the build-up of oil secretions on the lid margin that are a great environment for bacteria to grow and breed. Failing to give your eyes a thorough clean can cause dirt and debris to accumulate beneath the eyelid, leading to the following eye conditions.

• Blepharitis
• Stye
• Conjunctivitis
• Hordeolum
• Marginal Keratitis
• Dry Eye

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the most common symptom of poor eyelid hygiene and can also cause a stye, conjunctivitis, dry eye and more. In addition to this, it can cause problems wearing contact lenses.

The inflammatory condition occurs at the edges of the eyelid and can result in redness, burning, soreness and itching of the eyes.

What is the treatment?

You can relieve the symptoms of blepharitis and control the problem by using a warm compress such as The Eye Doctor Premium. When used warm, this compress will help to melt away the oil in the trapped glands. A key part of this treatment is providing sustained heat - more than 5 minutes.

Once you have used a warm compress, massaging your eyelids with clean hands can help move the oil and unblock the glands. You can then clean away any oil and crusting in the lashes with our Blephaclean Eye Wipes.

What can I use to clean my eyelids?

There are many products on the market which are used to clean the eyelids. Lid wipes such as Optase Tea Tree Oil Lid Wipes are great for cleansing your eyelids on the go and will relieve any symptoms of blepharitis. Featuring chamomile and aloe vera, these eyelid wipes will soothe tired and irritated eyes. They also contain hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration and are the perfect size for travel.

Blephasol Cleansing Gel is another excellent product designed to clean the eyelids. Not only does this gel remove debris from the eyelashes and lid area, but it also softens the skin. Great for sensitive skin, Blephasol Cleansing Gel is sterile, hypoallergenic, and preservative-free.

Alternatively, you can use Blephasol Lotion for the hygiene of eyelids. Suitable for both those who wear contact lenses and those with sensitive eyes, no rubbing or rinsing is required with this formula which is free from soap, perfume, parabens and alcohol.

Do people wash their eyelids?

Washing your eyelids is another way to maintain good eyelid hygiene and should be part of your daily routine. To wash your eyelids effectively, simply follow the following simple steps:

1. Wet a clean flannel with hot water.
2. Hold the flannel against closed eyelids for ten seconds.
3. Rewet the flannel with hot water and repeat several times.
4. Make sure to give the margins of the upper and lower lids a firm wipe at the base of the eyelashes to remove any debris.

How often should you clean your eyelids?

You should clean your eyelids once or twice a day in order to maintain good eyelid hygiene. Cleansing your eyelids daily will ensure that bacteria, dirt and debris don't accumulate on your eyelids and lashes.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.