When it comes to keeping your eyes in good health, it involves a lot of steps. Apart from having an eye exam regularly and eating eye-friendly foods, you must be able to perform basic eye hygiene, too – starting with some of the most underrated parts of your eyes: the eyelids.
Why Proper Cleaning of Your Eyelids Is a Must
Your eyelid is a thin layer of skin that primarily serves to cover and protect your eyes. It also contains different types of glands, including tear glands. So, every time you blink, and your eyelid covers your eyes, it spreads tears on your eyes’ surface to keep it moist and hydrated.
Along the edges of your eyelids, you’ll find a row of eyelashes that keep out perspiration, dust particles and other foreign bodies from entering your eyes. If you forego cleaning your eyelids, your eye doctor explains that you’re putting yourself at risk of bacteria building up in your eyes. This may later on result in blepharitis, a condition characterized by red, painful and inflamed eyelids, and other eye problems.
How to Clean Your Eyelids
Before anything else, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Then, dampen a clean towel or washcloth with warm water, and place it over your eyelids for a few minutes. Before removing the washcloth, gently massage your eyes with it. The combination of the warm temperature and massaging motion help melt any clogged oil or residue in your eyelid glands.
Afterward, take out a new washcloth, gauze pad or cotton swab, and moisten it with a doctor-prescribed eyelid cleaning solution. Gently wipe your eyelashes and eyelid margins, starting from the side that’s near your eyes going out or to your temples. Repeat the same steps on your other eye, and rinse your eyes with warm water. If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, make sure they are clean before you put them over your eyes.
To learn more about eyelid hygiene, call us at (336) 387-6777, or fill out our contact form. We serve Greensboro and the surrounding communities.
