Keep them Eyelids Clean is the key to preventing and properly treating conditions such as Blepharitis. There are many actions that can help to have optimal eyelid hygiene, some of them are the use of hot compresses, eyelid massage, cleaning of tabs and, very important, remove makeup correctly.

There are also advanced medical treatments that offer to exfoliate the eyelids to remove debris and bacteria. Eyelid hygiene is more important than most people think, since neglecting to clean the eyelids can have consequences such as clogging of the eyelids. Meibomian glands, chronic blepharitis or the appearance of Dry eye syndrome.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada Here is how to do good eyelid hygiene and why it is so important to take care of our eyelids and eyelashes. 

Why is it important to have good palpebral hygiene?

The eyelids are more important than most people think. The Eyelids are the windows of the eyes that help protect vital structures such as the conjunctiva, cornea and the crystalline. In addition, the eyelids close and open to prevent foreign particles from entering the eye and to even out the tear film.

La eyelid hygiene is very important so that the eyelids can correctly fulfill their functions and thus guarantee visual health. When we do not clean our eyes properly, debris, bacteria and makeup or cosmetic residues accumulate throughout the palpebral structure, which can trigger a Blepharitis.

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids caused, in most cases, by bacteria or debris that have plugged Meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for secreting the natural lubrication of the eyes. When they cover up, they produce annoying symptoms such as irritation, burning, pain when opening and closing the eyes, eye redness e swelling of the eyelids.

The tamponade of the Meibomian glands is one of the main dry eye causes. 

How to clean the eyelids to avoid blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that we must attend to very exhaustively to prevent it from becoming a chronic or repetitive condition. The key to definitively cure blepharitis is to learn how to clean the eyes and the eyelid edge correctly, making sure that no type of debris remains on the eyelids and eyelashes.

If you wonder how to wash your eyes to cure blepharitis, in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We'll tell you then. 

Clean eyelids and eyelashes

Cleaning the eyes begins with the eyelids and eyelashes. In healthy eyes it is enough to rinse the eyes during the shower to maintain a optimal palpebral hygieneIn irritated eyes or with a history of blepharitis, cleaning should be more rigorous.

Cleaning the eyelids and eyelashes is carried out with the aim of eliminating excess fat or residues that may be stimulating the formation of dandruff or scabs on the eyelid edge.

For that, We recommend rinsing your eyes with a champú or neutral pH soap. In the event of dandruff or scabs on the eyelid margin, we recommend the use of special cleaning towels for the eyes. The correct way to use these towels is to open the envelope and place the impregnated washcloth over the closed eye.

Then, perform a brief massage using circular movements in order to loosen and drag the particles. There are also eyelid and eyelash cleansers in gel format. If you prefer this presentation, you should apply a few drops of the product on gauze and then massage the eye using circular movements. 

Clean the eyelid margin

It is important to ensure that the eyelid margin has been cleaned correctly, both with the use of the eyelid hygiene wipes and with the use of the gel drops. The palpebral free edge is where the greatest accumulation of fat and makeup residues occurs, others, it is where the orifices of the meibomian glands are found.

Therefore, cleaning the eyelid correctly is extremely important for the health of the eyes. 

• Clean the eyelid edge with wipes: stand in front of a mirror and fix the eyelid to be cleaned by pressing with one of your fingers on the eyelashes. Then roll up the eyelid cleansing wipe and gently wipe it over the eyelid edge repeatedly.
• Clean the eyelid edge with gel: Wash your hands and deposit a couple of drops of gel on the tip of one of your fingers. Gently rub the edge of the eyelid until the entire gel is distributed correctly. You can also apply the gel on a cotton swab and rub the eyelid edge with it.

Massages on the eyelids are also an excellent tool to maintain good lid hygiene, as they stimulate the secretion of fat, helping to prevent the clogging of the meibomian glands. Place warm compresses on the eyelids It also helps to uncover the sebaceous glands and facilitates the exit of fat from inside them to the outside.

Also, removing the makeup correctly is essential to take care of the health of the eyes and maintain proper palpebral hygiene. Makeup usually accumulates on the edge of the eyelids and stimulates the proliferation of mites and bacteria that can trigger important conditions such as blepharitis. 

How often to do eyelid hygiene

Cleaning the eyelids and eyelashes, as well as the lid margin, should be part of our daily hygiene routine. Every day is due devote at least one minute to sanitation with wipes for cleaning the eyelids of each eye, in this way an excellent lid cleaning can be achieved and the accumulation of waste and bacteria that cause blepharitis can be prevented. 

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We have a team of medical experts who will help you and teach you to take care of the health of your eyes better than anyone. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and resolve all your doubts about eyelid hygiene. We will wait for you!