Pre-operative Eyelid Hygiene
Date issued: February 2024
Review date: February 2026
Ref: A-578/KFA/Ophthalmology/Pre-operative Eyelid Hygiene v2
PDF: Pre-operative Eyelid Hygiene.pdf [pdf] 103KB
Why have you been asked to carry out eyelid hygiene?
You have been asked to clean your eyelids before your operation to ensure they are free from crusts and inflammation to reduce risk of developing an operative infection.
How to carry out eyelid hygiene
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Boil some water and let it cool, put a small amount into a small clean container.
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Add 1-2 drops of no tears baby shampoo.
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Using a cotton bud dipped in the solution gently clean along the lower eyelid from the inner corner outwards.
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Then close your eyes and do the same to the
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upper eyelid.
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Using a clean cotton bud repeat the same procedure with the other eye.
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This should be performed once a day two weeks prior to surgery or twice a day one week before surgery.
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If the eyelids become red or sore omit the baby shampoo and use plain cooled boiled water only.
IMPORTANT REASONS TO CONTACT REI
If between your assessment appointment and date of operation you develop any of the following:
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Sticky / infected eyes
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Leg ulcer
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New medical illness diagnosed / treated by GP
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Hospital admission
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Change to prescription medication
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Please phone the Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) Day
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Case Unit, and ask to speak to a nurse for advice.
Contact numbers
REI Day Case Unit: 01752 439350, 8am to 7pm
REI Admissions: 01752 439316, 9am to 3pm
REI Urgent Care: 01752 439330, 8:30am to 6pm
