Do you wake up with crusty, irritated eyelids? Do your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or inflamed throughout the day? You might have blepharitis, a common condition caused by bacteria, Demodex mites, or clogged oil glands. The good news is, you can manage it at home with a few simple over-the-counter treatments.
As an ophthalmologist, I recommend these three easy and effective ways to clean your eyelids and relieve symptoms.
1️⃣ Optase Eyelid Wipes – Quick & Effective Cleaning
One of my top recommendations for daily eyelid hygiene is Optase Eyelid Wipes.
🔹 Why it works:
These wipes contain hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil, both of which help hydrate the skin and remove bacteria, oil, and debris. Research has shown that tea tree oil is effective against Demodex mites, a common cause of blepharitis (Corcoran et al., 2021).
🔹 How to use it:
- Use twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
- Gently wipe from the nose to the ear at least 5 times per eyelid.
This simple habit can go a long way in reducing inflammation and preventing eyelid irritation.
2️⃣ Hypochlorous Acid Spray – Fights Bacteria & Inflammation
Another great OTC option is a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray.
🔹 Why it works:
Hypochlorous acid is a natural molecule produced by white blood cells to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Studies show that HOCl sprays lower bacterial load and help with eyelid irritation and redness (Periman et al., 2022).
🔹 How to use it:
- Hold the spray about 6 inches from your closed eyelids.
- Spray once on each eye and let it air dry—no need to rinse!
This is a quick, no-touch way to keep your eyelids clean and healthy.
3️⃣ Baby Shampoo Trick – A Classic That Works
You may have heard of this one before, but the baby shampoo trick is still one of the best ways to clean your eyelids.
🔹 Why it works:
Baby shampoo is gentle, non-irritating, and helps break down excess oil and bacteria on your eyelids. It can also help remove biofilm buildup, which can contribute to chronic eyelid irritation (Koo et al., 2018).
🔹 How to use it:
- In the shower, take a warm washcloth and apply a diluted amount of baby shampoo.
- Gently wipe from nose to ear at least 5 times per eyelid.
This method is affordable, easy, and effective—just be sure to use a baby shampoo that is fragrance-free and tear-free.
Final Thoughts
By following these three simple steps daily, you can significantly reduce eyelid irritation, inflammation, and crusting caused by blepharitis.
✅ Optase Eyelid Wipes for deep cleaning
✅ Hypochlorous Acid Spray for antimicrobial protection
✅ Baby Shampoo Wash for an affordable, gentle cleanse
If your symptoms persist despite good eyelid hygiene, consider seeing an eye doctor for further evaluation. Chronic blepharitis may require prescription treatments or in-office procedures.