Optometrists

COMMONLY ASKED
ANDREA J. CLAMP
QUESTIONS BSC. (HONS.) MCOPTOM
Is eyelid cleaning only for contact lens
DANIEL J. HARDIMAN-MCCARTNEY
wearers?
BSC. (HONS.) MCOPTOM
No; many people benefit from cleaning their
eyelids in this way. This technique is also used
to treat an eyelid condition called Blepharitis.
Individual Treatment plan:
What is Blepharitis?

CLAMP
It a medical term for inflamed eyelids.

I am about to have cataract surgery. Why

have I been told to clean my eyelids?
Eyelid cleaning decreases the likelihood of

OPTOMETRISTS
infection and complications following surgery.
Next Appointment:
Should I see my GP?
No, in severe cases an antibiotic may be AND CONTACT LENS PRACTITIONERS
needed: your optometrist will give you advice if
this is the case.

Should I stop wearing eye make-up?
No, however eyeliner can block the entrance to
your eyelid tear glands, so if used it should be
carefully removed
Can I help the dry eye symptoms?
Relief may be found in using artificial tear drops
or gels. Generally single dose non-preserved
Remember, blepharitis is not a serious condition;
some people whose eyes remain sore have little
medically wrong. Eye lid cleaning enables you to
optimise your tears to make your eyes more
comfortable.

CLAMP
drops are the most effective. Drops such as
Blink Green, Viscogel or Celluvisc are ideal.

Are there any other treatments available?

Rather than using baby shampoo, some
practitioners recommend bicarbonate of soda.
OPTOMETRISTS
AND CONTACT LENS PRACTITIONERS
Generally a mild solution of baby shampoo is
satisfactory. In addition there are special wipes
Proprietor
which you can purchase, called lid-care wipes. Andrea J Clamp BSc (Hons.) MCOptom
These are certainly more convenient but are Member of the Association of Optometrists
more suited to contact lens wearers who want Member of the British Contact Lens Association
to improve their tears, than those suffering with 7 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AX
Blepharitis.
Tel: +44 (0)1223 350043 EYE LID CLEANING
Fax: +44 (0)1223 308976
Email: info@clampoptometrists.com
www.clampoptometrists.com
 INTRODUCTION TREATMENT
1
There are two different reasons why you may The procedure outlined below should be followed
ere
haveatbeen
Clamps we to
advised love spectacles.
clean How-
your eye lids. The for a period of 14 days, morning and night. It will
ever,
first iswe also appreciate
to optimise and understand
the efficiency of your tears. help clear any blocked pores and help your eyelid
the
You need
may have for contact lenses, sotired
been experiencing we ornow
gritty tear-producing glands generate a good tear film.
provide a highly personal, comprehensive
eye sensations, or you are a contact lens
contact lens service
wearer wanting run by
to improve the our Contact of
consistency
Lens Manager, David Arnott. Equipment needed: Baby Shampoo
your tears. The second is to treat a condition
If you are
called thinking which
Blepharitis about contact
is simplylenses for
a medical  Cotton wool buds
the first
term time you eyelids.
for inflamed need to do the following:  Facial Cloth
 Hot water
Hot
Hotcompress,
compress,held
heldjust
justbelow
belowthe
theeyelids,
eyelid to
Meibomian
· Ensure glands,
you which
have arean found in the
up-to-date (Boiled water that has been allowed to cool)
warm and moisten the area
upper and
spectacle prescription (within lastfor
lower eyelids, are responsible
producing and maintaining
12 months) tears. Tears
and a wearable pair ofare 
Mix together a weak solution of boiled 2a 2b
very important for
spectacles! keeping your eyes moist and
water and baby shampoo.
healthy.
· Book a contact lens assessment 1 part baby shampoo with 10 parts
appointment
There is always a thin film of tears over your water
eyes providing fee
The assessment lubrication,
is from £25* nutrition
and in- and
protection. When tears are not produced, or
cludes: 
Soak the cotton wool buds in the hot
are of the wrong consistency, problems may soapy water to create a hot com-
occur, such as: Cleaningthe
Cleaning theedges,
edges,using
using the
the hot,
warmsoapy
soapy
· Initial 30 minute assessment press. When cool enough to touch, compress. Run the compress along the lip/
compress.
· Discussion of Dryalleye
possible
or grittylenses
eye feeling hold it just under your eyelid for 30 edge of the eyelid
· One appointment toCrusting learn how to
of eyelid seconds to warm your lower lid (fig.1). 3a 3b
insert and remove lenses
Increased risk of infection
· Trial lenses to your specification
Smeary or blurry vision 
Repeat the warming procedure on the In more advanced cases gentle rubbing or the
· Follow-up appointment to assess
Greasy contact lenses upper lid. lid before and after the cleaning process may
your trial Uncomfortable
period contact lenses prove useful where there are many deposits
Tear film problems are very common and are 
Firmly wipe the compress along the 3a 3b
generally due to blocking in the pores that lead edge of your eyelids, (top and bottom)
to the Meibomian gland; about 1 in 5 people using it to remove scales and debris Massaging the eyelid, to squeeze out the
are affected by this problem. If you’re a (fig. 2a and 2b). white “toothpaste” like discharge.
contact lens wearer, tear film problems often
have a much greater impact on your vision and
the comfort of your eyes than they will for a 
Repeat the procedure on your other
non-contact lens wearer. eye, using a different cotton bud.
Massaging
Massaging the
the eyelid,
eyelid, to squeeze
to dislodge any out theor
scales
To enjoy good vision it is sometimes necessary white “toothpaste” like
debris in more advanced casesdischarge.
to pay extra attention in trying to prevent
blocked tear glands or crusting of the eyelids.

www.clampoptometrists.com