This guide is to help our patients reach optimum eye hygiene before they have eye surgery or a procedure on their eye, such as an intravitreal injection.

Why do I need to clean both of my eyes before the procedure?

This is to reduce the potential for any bacteria or debris to be transferred from your eyelids into your eye or tissues during the procedure/surgery.

Why do I need to do this if I do not have any symptoms?

Sometimes, we can have an infection (blepharitis) that can only be seen under a microscope. It may not cause any problems because we do not have a break in the eye surface or skin, but it may cause significant infections after a procedure.

When should I start an eye cleaning regime, and how often should I do this?

We advise you follow the guide twice a day for two weeks prior to your procedure. Completing the regime does not guarantee that you will not get a post-procedure infection but minimises the risk.

What if I start to show signs of infection before my procedure?     

If you are showing any signs of infection (such as redness, discharge, or itching), then please inform the hospital on the numbers provided below.

  • Surgery date booked– call elective admissions 01282 803107
  • Intravitreal injection appointment – call the macular co-ordinators 01254 733240

If you have an infection, it may be necessary to cancel your procedure until the problem has been resolved to avoid further complications.

Please follow the instructions below when cleaning your eyelids.

It is very important you clean both of your eyes even if you are only having a procedure on one eye.

1.    Please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting the regime.

2.    Apply a warm compress to your closed eyes by soaking a clean face cloth or cotton makeup removal pads in warm water, as warm as your eyelids can take.

3.    Apply it to your closed eyelids for five to 10 minutes. It may be necessary to re-heat the cloth repeatedly.

4.    Using your fingertips, gently massage your eyelids for around 30 seconds.

5.    Using the same clean warm facecloth gently clean the edges of the upper and lower lids, making sure to avoid any contact with the eyeball.

6.    There are also LID wipes available to buy online or chemists.