Dry Eye and MGD
What is eyelid hygiene and why does it matter?
Eyelid hygiene means cleaning the lash line daily to remove crusting, oil and the bacteria that inflame the lid margin. It is the mainstay of treatment for blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, and it reduces burning, grittiness, redness and recurrent styes. It works only when done consistently, usually long term.
Why the lash line matters
Oil, skin debris and bacteria accumulate where the lashes meet the lid. The products of those bacteria irritate the lid margin and destabilise the tear film, so the eye feels sore even when the eye itself is healthy. Cleaning the area breaks that cycle.
The routine
- Wash your hands
- Apply warmth to the lids for five to ten minutes
- Massage the lids gently towards the lash line
- Clean along the lash line with a cotton bud or clean cloth moistened with a lid cleaning solution, or diluted baby shampoo if advised, keeping to the lid margin rather than inside the eye
- Rinse and pat dry, then use lubricating drops if prescribed
Extra measures your ophthalmologist may advise
- A short course of antibiotic ointment applied to the lid margin
- A course of an oral antibiotic used for its effect on the oil glands rather than for infection
- Treatment of associated skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Treatment for demodex, mites that can live at the lash bases and cause sleeve like deposits
Realistic expectations
Blepharitis is a long term condition with better and worse periods. Hygiene controls it rather than eliminating it, and symptoms usually return if the routine stops. Avoid eye make up on the lash line during flare ups, and replace old mascara.
When to seek urgent assessment
- A hard or growing lid lump, an ulcerated area, or loss of lashes in one spot, which needs assessment
- Spreading redness and swelling of the lid with fever or pain on eye movement, which needs urgent care
Frequently asked questions
- Is blepharitis contagious?
- No. It is an inflammatory condition of the lid margin, not an infection passed from person to person, although flare ups can involve bacteria already living on the skin.
- Can I wear contact lenses?
- Often yes, once the lids are under control, but lenses are usually less comfortable during a flare up. Discuss it with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
- What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
- How do I use a warm compress for my eyes?
- What treatments are available for dry eye?
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