Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. It may affect both eyes, and commonly occurs when the oil glands near the roots of the eyelashes become clogged.  It is common among people with oily skin and dandruff. While it does not commonly cause damage to the eyes, it can cause eyelid discomfort, irritation, redness and can look unpleasant.

 

Causes

There are diseases and conditions that can cause blepharitis. Depending on where it occurs, it may be linked to the following:

• Anterior Blepharitis – infections occur at the front part of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached. It happens when there is too much bacteria on the skin or dandruff found on the scalp and eyebrows. Allergies or eyelash mites/lice on the eyelashes also increase risk for anterior Blepharitis.
• Posterior Blepharitis – this occurs at the inner edge of the eyelid where the oil glands are located. Bacteria are likely to grow when the eyelid glands do not produce enough oil. It may also be due to other conditions like rosacea and dandruff on the scalp.

 

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of blepharitis are usually worse in the morning. There may be crust on the eyelashes and eyelid edges, with difficulty opening the eyelids upon waking up, and there may also be yellow or green eye discharge. Other warning signs include:

• Eyelid redness
• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyelid
• A feeling like there is sand in your eye
• Itchy eyelids
• Eyelids that are stuck together
• Excessive tearing
• Oily eyelids
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Frequent blinking

 

Complications

Blepharitis can lead to other eye problems, such as:

• Excessive tearing or dry eyes
• Loss of eyelashes
• Stye or chalazion
• Eyelid scarring
• Chronic pink eye
• Corneal injury, infection

 

Treatment

It is important to treat what us causing or triggering it.  The following treatment options may be prescribed:

 

• Warm compress and lid hygiene (lid scrub with lid cleansing agents)
• Antibiotics (may be an ointment, eye drop, or oral)
• Lubricating eye drops / artificial tears
• Blephex – a quick and painless 10-minute outpatient procedure used to clean the eyelids, it makes use of a revolutionary handpiece that safely and effectively eliminates the bacterial film and oil on the eyelids. It will feel like having a massage on your eyelids, but it promotes relief and improvement from the eyelid symptoms.

 

It is also very important to do these tips to help control your Blepharitis:

• Keep your eyelids clean
• Use a warm and clean compress to soften the crust
• Avoid eye makeup, or remove it completely before bed time
• Replace eye makeup regularly
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses until it heals