As a dry eye sufferer, you’re probably using more than just eye drops. In our previous blog, we went over which drops to use for your dry eyes. In general, ointments are best suited for chronic dry eyes because it is more thick and will keep the eye moisturized for a longer period of time.
It is also used for patients who sleep with their eyes partially opened – a condition called lagophthalmos. Ointments will temporarily blur your vision so most doctors will recommend using it before sleeping so it won’t interfere with vision.
Eyelid wipes are used to thoroughly clean the eyelashes and eyelid margin. There is a build up of biofilm along the eyelid margin and it’s made up of bacteria, mites, accumulated debris and dead skin cells. It’s similar to plaque on the teeth.
Let’s think about your teeth. Flossing them and brushing them everyday helps reduce bacteria and cavities. Similar to that concept, removing the debris along your eyelid margins helps protect your eyes from bacteria that enter the oil glands (meibomian glands) and damage it. This can lead to dry eyes, inflammation and worsen of meibomian gland dysfunction.
Eyelid hygiene is important to reduce dry eye symptoms and improve eye health. Proper eyelid hygiene is similar to having a dental cleaning for better oral health. Let’s go over the different types of ointments and eyelid wipes that you can use to help your dry eyes.
What’s in the Eye Doctor’s Cabinet?
I-Defence Ointment
I-Defence ointment contains 0.40% sodium hyaluronate which will cause the ointment to bind to the tears more readily causing a long lasting effect. It acts as a barrier against moisture loss by prolonging the contact time with the eye. In turn, it will reduce the tear film evaporation and provide relief for severe dry eye sufferers.
Watch this Video on I-Defence
Systane Lubricant Eye Ointment
Systane eye ointment is a preservative-free ointment that is designed to keep the eyes lubricated and protected during the night. Patients with moderate to severe dry eyes can use this product for dry eye relief.
Eyelid Cleansers and Eyelid Wipes from I-Lid ‘N Lash Family
I-Lid ‘N Lash
I-Lid ‘N Lash is made in a cleanser or eyelid wipe form. It contains hyaluronic acid which helps stabilize the tear film. It’s used for conditions like blepharitis which can cause itchiness, red eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients with mild dry eyes can use this product.
I-Lid ‘N Lash Plus
I-Lid ‘N Lash Plus contains 5% tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid to remove Demodex, bacteria, biofilm and ocular debris. It is an eyelid wipe that you will gently massage over your eyelids. Tea tree oil is a powerful and safe antiseptic which will kill Demodex. Demodex is a mite that naturally lives in the human microbiome.
However, if there is an excess amount of Demodex, patients can suffer from severe dry eyes. The mite can damage the oil producing glands by eating away at the oil glands. Patients with moderate to severe dry eyes can use this product.
I-Lid ‘N Lash Pro
I-Lid ‘N Lash Pro contains 20% tea tree oil to remove Demodex. It contains a stronger formulation of tea tree oil for patients with severe dry eyes. This product is for professional use-only so patients need to go to their eye care professional to utilize this treatment.
Watch this Video on I-Lid ‘N Lash
Eyelid Cleansers and Eyelid Wipes from Blepha Family
Blephaclean
Blephaclean wipes are preservative, paraben, soap and fragrance free. These eyelid wipes are used for daily eyelid hygiene to remove biofilm and bacteria. Blephaclean helps reduce blepharitis, itchy eyes, red eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction.
It contains several properties that are suited for sensitive eyes such as sodium hyaluronate, centella asiatica and iris florentina. All of these natural additions help hydrate, clean and moisturize the eyelid and eyes. Patients with mild to moderate dry eyes can use this product.
Blephagel
Blephagel is a hypoallergenic, sterile cleanser for daily eyelid hygiene of the eyelids to remove bacteria and biofilm. It contains essential ingredients such as polaxamer 188, peg-90 and carbomer.
Polaxamer 188 is a cleansing agent that dissolves ocular debris, oils and bacteria. Peg-90 helps maintain the natural hydration of the eyelids. Lastly, carbomer is a cooling agent that can help reduce inflammation of the eyelids. Patients with mild to moderate dry eyes can use this product.
Blephadex
Blephadex is a gentle and effective cleanser and eyelid wipe that contains tea tree oil and coconut oil. Tea tree oil is the natural ingredient that kills Demodex infestations of the eye.
Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial to create a moisturizing and soothing sensation for the sensitive eyelids. Patients with moderate to severe dry eyes can use this product.
Watch this Video on Lid Hygiene
Eyelid Cleansers and Eyelid Wipes from Zocular Family
The Zocular family helps kill Demodex infestation and reduce bacterial load on the eyelid. ZocuWipe, ZocuFoam and ZocuShield all contain okra extract, aloe vera, citrus extract and caffeine.
These 4 unique ingredients provide an effective alternative to tea tree oil. These four unique ingredients are anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and contain antioxidants that reduce Demodex mites, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. The natural ingredients are known to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
ZocuWipe
ZocuWipe contains okra extract, aloe vera, citrus extract and caffeine. It is a moistened wipe to gently remove Demodex mites, makeup and bacteria. Patients with mild to severe dry eyes can use this product.
ZocuFoam
ZocuFoam is a cleanser that will foam in your hands. You will need to gently scrub your eyelids with this product. It contains okra extract, aloe vera, citrus extract and caffeine. Patients with mild to severe dry eyes can use this product
ZocuShield
ZocuShield is a gel that you place on your lower eyelid. You will need to massage the gel over your eyelids. It contains okra extract, aloe vera, citrus extract and caffeine. Patients with mild to severe dry eyes can use this product.
Watch this Video on Demodex
Systane Lid Wipes
Systane lid wipes is a hypoallergenic eyelid wipe that gently removes bacteria and makeup debris. Patients with mild dry eyes can use this product to help reduce dry eye symptoms.
Check with your dry eye doctor if they have any of these products on their shelves. If you still feel like ointments and wipes aren’t enough to reduce your dry eyes, seek professional help from your local optometrist. Contact your nearest MyDryEye clinic.
