Taking the First Step
Many people with dry eye disease (DED) spend months trying various over-the-counter treatments before consulting an eye care professional. While products like eye drops, warm compresses, and eyelid cleansers can help, they work best when tailored to your specific needs and used consistently. Eyelid hygiene forms the foundation of effective dry eye treatment. Your eyes and eyelids work together to maintain a healthy tear film, so addressing eyelid health is the first place to start.
Addressing Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Eyelid hygiene serves two main purposes: improving meibomian gland function and reducing eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).
The most common cause of evaporative DED is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands line your eyelids and secrete oil for your tear film's lipid layer. When they don't work properly, oil can build up on the eyelids or in the glands, causing crusting and irritation. This creates a vicious cycle where MGD causes DED, leading to conditions that further worsen dry eye.
Blepharitis comes in two forms:
- Posterior blepharitis: Caused by MGD or rosacea
- Anterior blepharitis: Caused by bacteria, mites (Demodex), dandruff, allergies, or contact lens irritation
Proper eyelid hygiene helps break this cycle, keeping your skin less inflamed and your eyes healthier.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
DED (also known as dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or ocular surface disease) typically causes symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision and eye strain
- Irritation, stinging, or burning
- Light sensitivity and watery eyes
- Itchiness and grittiness
- Eye pain and dryness
Dry eye falls into two main categories: aqueous deficient (not enough natural tears) and evaporative (tears evaporate too quickly). Most people experience the latter, but either way, your eyelid hygiene is a core part of keeping your eyes clear of irritation and infection. Combined with routinely massaging around the eyes, you will be setting a firm foundation and allow your chosen treatment for DED to provide the most effective relief it can.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Several factors can worsen dry eye symptoms. Environmental factors include low humidity, high winds, air pollution, and air conditioning. Lifestyle factors include extended screen time and poor diet lacking in vitamin A, minerals, and healthy fats. DED impacts you physically, emotionally, financially, and socially, making effective treatment crucial for overall wellbeing.
Basic Dry Eye Treatment Approaches
Treatment approaches depend on which type of dry eye you have. For aqueous deficient DED, it is advised to supplement the tear film with lubrication. Heat therapy works to do this through targeted and consistent heat applied to the eye lids, encouraging proper flow of the natural oils within and around the eye. For evaporative DED, the focus is on preventing tear evaporation and stabilising the tear film through eyelid hygiene.
Comprehensive treatment typically includes OTC lubricant drops, gels, ointments, and eyelid hygiene, possibly supplemented with humidifiers, air purifiers, and oral supplements. Some cases may require prescription drops or in-office procedures.
What Is Eyelid Hygiene?
Simply put, eyelid hygiene means taking care of your eyelids. This typically involves warm compresses and lid scrubs. You can purchase a premade warm compress mask or make one at home—wet, moist, or steamed warm compresses work best. For lid cleaning, we recommend a preservative free gel or eyelid wipe
How to Use Eyelid Wipes and Sprays
The process is straightforward:
- Wash your hands and remove contact lenses if worn
- Open the packet (if you have purchased wipes) and unfold the wipe
- Close your eyes and gently clean eyelids and lashes in a downward, sweeping motion
- Fold the wipe and repeat on the other eye
- Repeat 2-3 times per eye
- Rinse if desired
For sprays, apply the solution to a cotton pad or lint free cloth first, then clean as described above.
Eyelid hygiene is the cornerstone of dry eye treatment. By improving meibomian gland function and reducing inflammation through warm compresses and eyelid wipes, you can help maintain a healthy tear film and protect your vision.
Final Thoughts
Eyelid hygiene is a simple and easy way to keep the eye area clean, preventing any symptoms of Dry Eye, MGD, or styes worsening. It is also useful to be used in conjunction with a massage routine in order to encourage flow of the oils in and around the eye. Therefore, you are keeping the area clean, encouraging proper flow, and providing a great foundation for whichever therapeutic approach you have chosen for your Dry Eye or related condition. If you are looking for a therapeutic approach that works for you, have a look at our Heated Eye Mask for clinically supported relief - lets get ahead of Dry Eye together.
