Eyelid margin hygiene - cleaning and care of the eyelid margins

Eyelid margin hygiene is an important measure to clean the sensitive eyelids and eliminate possible pockets of bacteria. The eyes are exposed to environmental influences around the clock. During the course of the day, dust, pollen and other debris can accumulate on the eyelids. In addition, sebum residues from the meibomian glands (sebaceous glands located in the eyelid margin) serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and can promote infections. Cleaning and caring for the eyelids can prevent inflammation and infection and should be included in your daily body care routine.

Regular and consistent eyelid margin hygiene is essential in cases of diagnosed blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. By caring for the margins of the eyelids, deposits are removed and the function of the sebaceous glands is stimulated. People who use eye cosmetics should also carry out careful eyelid margin hygiene after removing make-up, in order to thoroughly remove any make-up residue.

Cleaning the eyelid margins involves several steps. The complete care routine is called eyelid margin hygiene, and heat is used to prepare for this. When cleaning the eyelids, the utmost hygiene is required, so wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye:

• Eyelid margin massage: In order to remove the secretion residues not only from the eyelid margins but also from the gland ducts, the next step is to massage the eyelid margins. To do this, proceed as follows: Massage the entire width of the upper eyelid from top to bottom 5 to 10 times with a cotton bud. Repeat the process on the lower eyelid, stroking from bottom to top 5 to 10 times.
• Cleaning: Now, the loosened secretion can be removed with a moist cotton pad or an eyelid hygiene wipe. The advantage of the eyelid hygiene wipes is that they are germ-free, because each wipe is individually packed and sterile. To avoid transmitting infections, use a fresh wipe or cotton pad for each eye. Now stroke the eyelid from the outside inwards to thoroughly remove the secretion residue from the edge of the eyelid.
• Care: To relieve irritation and keep the eyes comfortable throughout the day, follow up with eyelid care at the end of your eyelid margin routine. Eye sprays that can be applied to the eyelids without contact are suitable for this purpose and provide rapid eye care at any time, even when on the go.

Eyelid margin hygiene should be performed twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Performing this regularly can alleviate the discomfort of chronic inflammation and dry eyes:

• Mornings: Overnight, encrustations and sebum residues accumulate between the eyelashes, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid irritation and inflammation of the eyes, the margins of the eyelids should be cleaned during your morning routine.
• Evenings: During the day, the eyelids are exposed to environmental influences. Dust, pollen and other particles in the air accumulate and can irritate sensitive eyes. Therefore, it is also recommended to clean and care for the eyelids in the evening before going to bed.

Anyone suffering from chronic blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction should consistently perform eyelid margin hygiene twice daily. This is the only way to remove secretion residues from the gland ducts, and it also stimulates blood flow to the glands and therefore the production of secretions. People who consistently take care of their eyes can alleviate the discomfort in the long term. However, if this is neglected, the symptoms can quickly return. A regular care routine is therefore all the more important.