Eyelid Hygiene/Oil Gland Treatment

Your Optometrist will recommend one or more of the following treatments for you to use at home to help with your eyelid condition:

Lid Washes

Use either Johnson & Johnson unscented Baby Wash, Cetaphil facial cleanser or pre-packaged lid wash cloths

  1. With clean hands, mix the cleanser with warm water to make "suds" on fingertips
  2. With your eyes closed, gently massage eyelids and the base of the eyelashes for 15-20 seconds
  3. Wash closely along both the upper and lower eyelids and lashes
  4. Rinse well with warm water when done

Once or twice per day


Artificial Tears

Use a good lubricating tear 1 to 4 times per day.
Gel drops should be used WITHOUT contacts.

Advanced or oil versions of tears should be used WITHOUT contacts.

NON preserved are always a good choice.

To administer eye drop:

  1. Pull down on lower lid, creating a pocket
  2. Place the drop in this pocket. Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye
  3. Hold eyes closed for 10 seconds after drop is instilled

Warm Compresses

Use either a bean/rice heating bag.

  1. Heat in microwave until warm, but not hot, anywhere from 15-45 seconds
  2. Place over eyes for 10 minutes straight. It is better if you have removed your makeup and/or washed your eyelids
  3. A washcloth with warm water does not work-it does not stay hot long enough
  4. You may do one eye at a time while watching TV if you do not want to do right before bedtime. Reheat in between eyes

Ten minutes once or twice a day