Most people don't pay much attention to their eyelids unless they are experiencing discomfort or irritation. However, maintaining good eyelid hygiene is essential for the overall health of your eyes, especially if you suffer from dry eye syndrome.
In fact, roughly 90% of all dry eye cases are due to poor eyelid hygiene!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on proper eyelid hygiene to help you take good care of your eyes. To learn more or schedule a dry eye consultation, call Brookfield Vision Care today.
But First, What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a condition where the eyes are unable to produce either enough tears or good quality tears, resulting in discomfort and inflammation.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome may include a gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes, redness and irritation, a burning or stinging sensation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye fatigue, and difficulty with reading or using a computer for prolonged periods. In severe cases, individuals with dry eye syndrome may experience eye pain, frequent eye infections, and corneal damage.
Most cases of DES are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, often due to poor lid hygiene. That’s why keeping your eyelids clean is important for eliminating symptoms of dry eye.
Why is Lid Hygiene Important?
Your upper and lower eyelids are lined with tiny glands called the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting nourishing oils onto the eye’s surface. When these glands become clogged, healthy oils can’t flow freely, causing eye dryness and irritation.
Thoroughly cleaning the eyelids daily is an excellent way to help ensure that your meibomian glands remain healthy and functional. Removing the dust, debris, and allergens that have been collected in your eyelashes from the day will minimize meibomian gland blockage.
What’s the Best Way To Keep Your Eyelids Clean?
At Brookfield Vision Care, we offer several lid hygiene products that make it easy and convenient to keep your eyelids clean.
The Ocusoft Lid Scrubber is a popular and effective product for maintaining good eyelid hygiene. It is specifically designed to remove oil, dirt, and other particles from the eyelids, preventing the development of conditions such as blepharitis and dry eye. The Lid Scrubber comes in individually wrapped pads that are easy to use and convenient for travel. Simply apply the pad to your closed eyelid and gently massage in a circular motion for 15-30 seconds. Rinse your eyes with warm water and repeat on the other eyelid.
Alternatively, we recommend using the Optase cleansing wipes, which contain tea tree oil. They are preservative-free and gentle, making them suitable for sensitive eyes. The wipes are designed to remove debris, bacteria, and makeup from the eyelids, providing a thorough and effective clean. The soft, pre-moistened wipes are easy to use and come in a convenient resealable pack, making them perfect for travel.
Be sure to clean your eyelids daily, or as often as your optometrist recommends. Every treatment plan is tailor-made to suit the condition and lifestyle of each patient.
Dry Eye Treatment and More in Brookfield
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of dry eye syndrome, we can help. We offer thorough and personalized care to ensure optimal results. We also offer other in-office dry eye treatments that are safe, effective, and gentle.
Call Brookfield Vision Care today to schedule your dry eye consultation and start your journey to long-lasting relief!
