Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, causing them to become red, irritated, and itchy along with the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It is a common eye problem that is caused by a bacterial or skin condition such as dandruff on the scalp or acne rosacea. People of all ages are affected and although uncomfortable, it isn’t contagious and usually does not cause permanent damage to eyesight.
Two types of blepharitis can occur:
Anterior blepharitis occurs at the front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached.
Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that comes in contact with the eyeball.
Most patients suffering from blepharitis may experience a range of symptoms including gritty or burning sensation in the eyes, excessive tearing, itching, red and swollen eyelids, dry eyes, or crusting of the eyelids. In some patients it may cause only a minor irritation or itching. But it can lead to more severe symptoms such as blurred vision, missing eyelashes, and inflammation of other eye tissue, especially the cornea.
Simple, preventative treatment like good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine can control blepharitis. This should include frequent washing of the face and scalp and the use of warm compresses to soak the eyelids. If your eyelid has a bacterial infection, then your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotics and other medications as an effective treatment along with good hygiene.
A comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist will reveal if you have contracted blepharitis, and if you are experiencing several of the above symptoms it will be worth the visit.
Self-care
Good eyelid hygiene, carried out at home, is an important way to control blepharitis.
For a warm soak of the eyelids do the following:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water.
Keeping your eyes closed, place the washcloth on the eyelids for about five minutes, reheating the washcloth as necessary.
Repeat this procedure several times during the day.
For an eyelid scrub, do the following:
Wash your hands thoroughly
Use a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by your ophthalmologist.
Using a different clean cloth for each eye, rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and edge of the closed eyelid.
Rinse the eye with clear, clean water.
Do the same for the other eye.
The use of an anti-dandruff shampoo for the scalp is frequently recommended and it is important to stop the use of eye makeup during treatment to facilitate lid hygiene procedures. Contact lenses may also need to be removed during treatment.
Some cases of the condition may require more complex treatment plans and blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses may occur, hence the need for regular eye hygiene procedures.
