When did you last see an Ocular Hygienist?

This week I've been to the dentist for my six-monthly check-up.  I see the dentist, who examines my teeth, gums and mouth, and the hygienist who, despite my best efforts with floss and brush, always has to scale and polish my teeth.  It got me thinking: why don't we have a culture of visiting an ocular hygienist with the same regularity? In fact, have you even heard of an ocular hygienist? Did you know it's a thing?

Did you know that, in the same way that plaque builds up in your mouth, there is a biofilm that grows along the margins of your eyelids? Made up of micro-organisms such as bacteria and demodex, keratin, oils from the glands in the eyelids and skin, dead skin cells and dirt, it grows over time.

In the early years you will not even know that it is there. But in the same way that plaque in your mouth leads to gingivitis and tooth loss if left untreated, biofilm on your eyelids leads to blepharitis; that is, red, swollen, irritated eyes, eyelash misdirection and even loss.  And, just as gingivitis has been linked to disease in other organs (such as an increased risk of developing heart disease, for example), biofilm build up can lead to problems with the glands in your eyelids and even the surface of the eye.

Regular use of proprietary lid scrubs or washes can help slow this build-up (think brushing your teeth at home), and a regular visit to an Eyecare Professional for an in-depth treatment can remove the remainder for you.  Mechanical devices such as a Nu-Lids Pro act like an electric toothbrush to remove debris, or products such as Zest use natural okra polysaccharides to dissolve the biofilm.  The newest treatment available is LM LLLT that uses light of a specific wavelength to eliminate the bacteria associated with the biofilm.

Even if you are not yet feeling the effects, I would urge you to get a check up for signs of blepharitis as soon as possible - prevention is always better than cure!