Xiong Gaowu, a Chinese street barber, uses a straight knife to scrape along the inside of his customers’ eyelids. The procedure is designed to promote eye health and cleanliness. This is a traditional Chinese practice, also known as eye cleaning or eye washing.
Whatever you call this daunting procedure, please don’t do it, say American ophthalmologists.
There are good medical reasons for maintaining eyelid hygiene. Your eyelids are covered with tiny glands that secrete an oil that prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are blocked, your eyes can become dry and uncomfortable. Gland obstruction is a common cause of dry eye. Obstructed glands can also cause eyelid problems and blepharitis.
Opening the eyelid glands can significantly reduce the symptoms of dry eyes and blepharitis when the eyelid glands are blocked. But there are safer ways than razors.
“We promote eyelid hygiene, but we don’t recommend hanging out on the street with non-eye professionals,” Anat Galor, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the society, told Men’s Health. Doing so, he notes, puts you at risk for infection, either by cutting your eye or contracting it through unsterilized tools.
Dr. Galore’s eyelid hygiene recommendations:
Gently wash your eyelids with baby shampoo and warm water.
Use a warm compress. It may help relax any debris in the eye.
If home remedies don’t work, see an eye or qualified eye doctor.
