There’s a commercial on TV that really grosses me out. It’s a drug for those who wake up with crusty eyelids. It shows cartoon drawings of bugs that make up the goo. Ew!!!
Well, after about 20 years of having dry eye and probably almost as long having blepharitis, a condition characterized by crusty eyelids caused by inflammation of the margin between the lids and lashes, I realized that the gross commercial was targeted to me. Ew.
I didn’t want to have to use another prescription medication for my eyes, so I asked the ophthalmic technician during my last eye exam if there was anything I could do rather than add another med to my list. He suggested that I try Ocusoft, a brand name I was aware of but never used.
On my way home from my appointment, I was so eager to find a remedy, I stopped at CVS. I looked at Ocusoft, and right next to the box was CVS Health Cleansing Eyelid Wipes. The CVS version was for those with “moderate to severe eyelid conditions”. To be honest, I don’t know whether my inflammation is severe, but it is at least moderate. The Ocusoft was for run o’ the mill eyelid conditions. I chose the CVS Cleansing Eyelid Wipes.
The reason I’m sharing this is because a couple of friends were recently diagnosed with eye issues like dry eye or blepharitis. They were understandably upset about it because they didn’t know what the consequences were or what to do about their eye disease in spite of being diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. I told them about my experiences over the past 20 years and what I’ve discovered that works for me (though everyone is different). I told them to ask their doctor about different treatment options other than the very expensive in-office treatments that aren’t covered by insurance and don’t always work. So, if you have blepharitis or oily lids, you might be interested.
For me, the Cleansing Eyelid Wipes are perfect for use in the morning after I wake up. Often my eyelashes are stuck together, and I have been worried about losing them.
Now, I open a single packet of the Wipes and use the cotton pad, that’s impregnated with watery OTC ingredients, along my lashline. The pad dissolves the gunk on my lashes and seems to condition them at the same time.
I also wipe my eyelids, though I have dry rather than oily lids. And there’s no need to rinse after use, and it doesn’t interfere with my skincare products or eye makeup.
It takes just a second in the morning, but the wipes have made a big difference for me. What’s very surprising is that since I started using the wipes, I have less gunk and debris along my lashline now. It seems that there’s something in the formula that lessens the symptoms of blepharitis.
A box of CVS Health Cleansing Eyelid Wipes is priced around $21.29 for a month’s supply, 30 individually wrapped pads that are used for both eyes. Your FSA/HSA may cover the cost. I’m glad that I spoke up and asked about options to treat my morning crusty eyelids and lashes from blepharitis. And I’m glad that I tried these wipes that appear to lessen my blepharitis symptoms.
In the past, women have mentioned that they have oily eyelids that prevents their eye makeup from lasting. If that describes you, CVS Cleansing Eyelid Wipes should help with that issue, too!
Wow, I’m so glad you found something that truly helps!
Between the cordless heated eye mask and these eyelid/lash wipes, I’m doing pretty well!
Watch for sales at CVS too. Often they have a rebate in their coupons if you’ve spent a certain amount in this kind of healthcare or they have BOGO.
Great point! Sometimes this type of healthcare product may be covered by your OTC card depending on your health insurance