Lid hygiene for blepharitis treatment

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. Oils and other products normally secreted by the eye build up on the surface and eyelashes, resulting in symptoms of eye irritation and often redness. Though we often must use a combination of many forms of treatment, including antibiotic tablets and antibiotic ointments, the mainstay of therapy is always careful cleaning of the eyelids and lashes to remove the irritating substance.

To obtain the best results, please follow the instructions listed below. Remember blepharitis is a skin condition that may be with you for a lifetime. The treatment is aimed at minimising your symptoms and making you more comfortable. Regular lid hygiene should become part of your daily routine and is best done first thing in the morning.

Warm compresses

Take pint of hot water (as warm as the lid can stand). Soak a clean face cloth in the water and then apply it to the closed lid for a period of five minutes. You may need to re-warm your cloth repeatedly. This will not only feel good, but will make the lid oils easier to remove.

Alternatively, you can use the heat pads that are available to buy from supermarkets that can be heated in a microwave oven and the heated pad can then be applied over the closed eyelids.

Lid cleaning

Following the warm compresses, clean the eyelid margins with the clean face cloth, using a side-to-side motion. This will remove the debris from the eyelids and eyelashes. If the debris remains and it frequently may be observed early in the treatment period, use a moistened cotton wool bud to scrub between the lashes.