Blepharitis and cleaning of eye lids

[obiiwan]

Hi doctor,

I have recently been diagnosed as having blepharitis.  At my appointment with the ophthalmologist, she gave me a sample product for cleaning my eyelids and eyelash area named Novartis lid-care towelettes.  I have used up these towelettes and have since bought a different product to clean my eye lid and eyelash area named Theratears Theralid (foam) eyelid cleanser.  My question for you is, which product is better for the treatment of blepharitis?  The towelettes or foam cleanser?  Are there certain benefits to one product over the other?  My thinking was that the towelettes may actually be better because the towelette may be more effective in removing debris from the eye lid region.  However, I am just assuming since I have yet to try the foam cleanser which I just bought it today and wanted an eyeMD's opinion as to which is better.

Thanks!

[andryabelle]

My mom brought me Systane eyelid wipes and they are so soothing.  Ophth. wrote a 'script for Cilnet but I haven't tried yet as the wipes are great.  I also just started some azithronycin for possible strep and I'm curious to see if it affects my eyes positively.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Glad they are helping

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You can order the lid cleaner on the internet: brand names are Ocusoft Foam Eyelid cleaner and TheraTears SteriLid eyelid cleaner

[crickle83]

I also have Blepharitis - recently diagnosed. I was told at Shopper's Drug Mart that the towlettes are being discontinued here in Canada so I did't have a chance to try them. But I have a coworker who swears by them (I guess she will have to find an alternate product now as well). I tried the theralid foam wash and it was like a miracle! I agree it stung at first. To help get through the 60 seconds I prepared by toothbrush and brushed my teeth to distract me that 60 seconds and it helped. I should also say that initially I had broken skin... it says to not use on broken skin but I was desperate... my condition was severe. It has since healed my skin (the next morning it was clear!!!) and so now it no longer stings ( I am probably also getting used to it)... but now I am just using it as prevention as it remained healed!!! I am so relieved to have found this!!! Previously my Dr. had just reccommended baby shampoo which dried out my lids more.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Then leave on 30 seconds or try occusoft
JCH MD

[PeterBurns]

I tried Theralid today and I find it stings very easily. You are supposed to leave on for 60 seconds but that was difficult
Peter

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The foaming cleaners (occusoft or Theratears Sterilid) available without prescription are better than the wipes

JCH MD

[obiiwan]

Doctor,

I just wanted to add that the theralid foaming cleanser is meant to be applied by the fingers without the use of pad or towelette.  Again, which do you think is better?  The foam or towelette eyelid cleaners?