Regular and complete daily hygiene of the eyes is important. This applies to both patients who receive treatment and healthy people. Air pollution, unclean water, unhygienic hands, and the act of rubbing eyes are all potential sources of infections and allergies which can cause eye disorders, and sometimes even lead to serious diseases. There needs to be better awareness to keep eyes clean and develop daily eye hygiene habits to help keep eyes free from contamination.
Do you clean your teeth every day? Most people will reply yes as this is a good habit developed in society. Brushing has given us healthy teeth contributing to better oral health.
Can the same be said for our eyes? Maybe not.
We live in a world that is increasingly getting more polluted with dust particles, smoke particles, viruses, and bacteria that stick to the outer surfaces of our eyes. Add to this the increasing use of devices such as computers, laptops, and smartphones that put a strain on our eyes. For women also add eye makeup, which is not easy to remove and which leaves residues in the eyes. If we start seeing this, we may realize how our eyes, which are perhaps one of our most valuable organs, have increasingly come under great distress. Should we consider dealing with this change proactively? We think yes.
By cleaning eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows, and the external structure of the eye one can keep eyes clean and healthy. One can also avoid many symptoms such as itching, burning sensation, and an urge to rub one’s eyes, which can lead to other disorders such as blepharitis and dry eyes. So, one must clean eyelids daily as one cleans teeth in the morning.
Makeup has become part of everyday life. Did you know that many chemicals used in makeup materials can reach one’s eyes and damage them? These materials must be cleaned every day so that eyelids and eyelashes remain clean without any residue of chemicals, debris, and deposits. This should be part of a daily routine and hygiene process.
Eye hygiene is even more important for young children, whose natural systems of self-defense have not been fully developed yet. Healthcare professionals recommend removing conjunctival mucous secretion which is present on eyelids and eyelashes upon waking up in the morning and can cause irritation in the delicate skin of children.