Hot Compress:
Use hot towel, tea bag, de-shelled hard-boiled egg, hot potato or heat pack (essentially something that can retain heat) and place over closed eye for 15-20 minutes (may need to reheat 2 to 3 times). WARNING: beware of burning the eyelid. It is best practice to have the hot compress at a tolerable temperature before applying to the skin.
This will soften and loosen the oils, crusts, scales and debris. It will also open the pores along the lid margins and promote circulation around the eyes. More importantly, it helps liquefy the oily secretions from the eyelids’ oil glands that help prevent the development of a chalazion.
Cetaphill Facial Cleanser:
Use a gentle facial cleanser, such a Cetaphil facial cleanser or Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo to wash your face after completing hot compresses. Dilute the cleanser solution with water on your fingertips and gently scrub from side to side with your eyes closed for about 15 seconds.
This is performed to massage the eyelids, dislodging the loosened hardened oils from the meibomian glands and lashes. It also removes any debris that has accumulated on the lid margins.
Omega 3 / 6 / 9:
Take daily fish oil or flax seed oil capsules, which are high in Omega 3 / 6 / 9
This promotes production of more fluid and efficient oils from the oil glands