Why It’s Important to Have Clean, Healthy Eyelids – A Guide from Our Powell and Newport, TN Offices

We often don’t think much about the little things—until they stop working. Like Wi-Fi when it crashes mid-meeting, windshield wipers in a downpour, or the oil in your car when that warning light comes on. These everyday helpers quietly keep life running smoothly. The same can be said for your eyelids.

At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, we dedicate our expertise to preserving and enhancing vision across East Tennessee—including in Powell and Newport. While the focus is often on the eyes themselves, we believe it’s just as important to pay attention to the unsung heroes of ocular health: your eyelids.

Eyelids: Your Eyes’ First Line of Defense

Your eyelids do far more than blink and block light while you sleep. They are your eyes’ built-in protectors, playing several critical roles that directly impact your vision comfort, clarity, and long-term eye health.

Here’s how:

Protection: Every blink helps sweep away dust, debris, and airborne irritants, reducing the risk of damage or infection.
Hydration: With each blink, eyelids spread a thin layer of tear film over the eye’s surface, keeping it moist and nourished.
Oil Regulation: Tiny meibomian glands located along the inner eyelid rim release essential oils to prevent tear evaporation and maintain comfort.
Infection Prevention: Clean eyelids help keep bacteria in check. Neglect can lead to conditions like blepharitis, styes, or chronic dry eye.
Health Clues: During regular exams in our Powell and Newport clinics, we often assess eyelids for swelling or irritation, which may point to underlying skin or autoimmune disorders.

The Consequences of Poor Eyelid Hygiene

When eyelids aren’t properly cleaned, bacteria, oil, and debris can build up along the lash line. This may lead to:

Blepharitis – inflammation caused by clogged oil glands
Styes – painful, red bumps near the eyelash roots
Dry Eye Syndrome – due to unstable tear film
Irritation, redness, or itchiness around the eyes

These issues are not only uncomfortable, but they can also compromise your vision and eye surface health if left untreated.

How to Keep Your Eyelids Clean and Healthy

The good news? Proper eyelid hygiene is simple, and often just a small adjustment to your daily routine:

At-home Care:

Use gentle lid scrubs or foaming cleansers (designed for eyes)
Apply warm compresses to loosen oils and debris
Avoid harsh soaps or rubbing the eyelid area

Prescription Solutions:

If at-home remedies don’t resolve the issue, our eye doctors in Powell and Newport may prescribe:

Topical antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointments
Oral medications like doxycycline
Anti-inflammatory eye drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast

In-Office Advanced Treatments:

For persistent or severe cases, we offer cutting-edge procedures, including:

LipiFlow® / iLUX® – thermal pulsation to unblock glands
BlephEx® – deep exfoliation of the eyelid margins
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – reduces inflammation and improves gland function

Regular Eye Exams: The Key to Early Detection

Whether you’re noticing crusting, itching, or redness—or just want to stay ahead of potential problems—a comprehensive eye exam at our Powell or Newport locations can help. Our general ophthalmology team will examine your eyelids closely and guide you to the best course of action.

EyeCare Optical – Powell
221 E. Emory Road, Suite 103
Powell, TN 37849

Vision Source of Newport
1823 Crowe Ln.
Newport, TN 37821

Healthy Eyelids = Healthy Vision

Just like a clean windshield offers a clearer view of the road, clean, healthy eyelids give your eyes the protection and support they need to see clearly and comfortably. Make eyelid hygiene part of your routine—and don’t overlook the value of expert care, right here in Powell and Newport.

Click HERE to request an eye exam today with Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun and keep your eyes (and eyelids) in top shape.