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86 | SIGNATURE MONTANA TO YOUR HEALTH DR. JUSTINE REDLIN Most people brush their teeth daily without even thinking about it, but did you know your eyes also need cleaning and hygiene? Eyelashes and eyebrows help frame the face but also ser ve biological and functional purposes. ey are the eye's first line of defense, operating as dust catchers and protecting the eye from debris, but they also collect a lot. Allergens, dust, dirt, and oils can accumulate in your eyelashes and need to be cleaned to keep your eyes the most comfortable they can be. Doing a quick cleansing with an ocular cleanser morning and night can significantly improve dry eye and allergy symptoms. ere are a variety of cleansers to choose from, with many offering a foaming cleanser that can be used like any other soap. Some recommendations include, We Love Eyes foaming cleanser, Sterilid, Ocuso, and Zocular. Another option is a hypochlorous acid spray, such as We Love Eyes brand, Avenova, or Optase. is is a convenient option because water is not needed. It is gentle to use on kids and quickly dissolves the crusts that can form around their eyes throughout the day and during the night. e hypochlorous spray also kills many types of bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19, and helps ward off eye infections. For Your Eyes Only Basic ocular hygiene practices may not be enough. In many cases, the bacterial load on the lids and lashes can lead to inflammation or infections such as blepharitis. Much like the buildup of plaque on teeth, a similar buildup on eyes, called biofilm, requires aention, too. I f le unaended, it can be difficult to remove and require medical aention. It can also lead to obstructions forming at the top of the meibomian glands, worsening dry eye symptoms. Your eye doctor may suggest an intensive eye cleansing treatment to remove dirt and debris and relieve associated inflammation. is procedure is like a deep shampoo for the eyes. It removes biofilm from the eyelids, reduces inflammation, and provides patients with a fresh start to begin their own hygiene regime at home. Basic Hygiene for Eyebrows and Eyelashes Beyond Basic Eye Hygiene Healthy Peepers Require Good Hygiene