Blepharitis Treatment

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Generally, Blepharitis occurs when the small sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes become blocked, causing irritation and redness. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis.

Symptoms of the Disease

The signs and symptoms of blepharitis are typically worse in the morning. They include:

• Watery eyes.
• Red eyes.
• A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes.
• Eyelids that appear greasy.
• Itchy eyelids.
• Red, swollen eyelids.
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes.
• Crusted eyelashes.
• Eyelid sticking.
• More frequent blinking.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Blurred vision that usually improves with blinking.

When you should see a doctor

Especially, if you have signs and symptoms of blepharitis that do not improve despite good hygiene, regular cleaning and care of the affected area and make an appointment with your doctor.

Generally, blepharitis is a chronic condition that is often difficult to treat. Also, blepharitis can be uncomfortable and unsightly. However, it usually does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight and is not contagious.

Causes of the disease

Particularly, the exact cause of blepharitis is not clear. Also, it may be associated with one or more of the following:

• Seborrheic dermatitis – dandruff on the scalp and eyebrows.
• Eye Infection.
• Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids.
• Rosacea – a skin condition characterized by facial redness.
• Allergies, including allergic reactions to eye medications.
• Contact lens solutions or eye makeup.
• Eyelash mites or lice.
• Dry eyes.

Complications

Especially, If you have blepharitis, you may experience the following problems:

Eyelash problems:

Generally, Blepharitis can cause your eyelashes to fall out, grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes), or lose color.

Eyelid skin problems:

Usually, Scarring may occur on your eyelids due to prolonged blepharitis. Or the eyelid margins may turn inward or outward.

Excessive tearing or dry eyes:

Especially, other debris from your eyelids, such as abnormal oily secretions and the flaking associated with dandruff. Also, it can build up in your tear film a solution of water, oil, and mucus that creates tears.

Therefore, the abnormal tear film prevents your eyelids from staying moist. Also, this can irritate your eyes and cause symptoms of dry eye or excessive tearing.

Stye

Especially, stye is an infection that develops at the bottom of the eyelashes. Also, the result is a painful lump at the edge of your eyelid. Usually, styes are most visible on the surface of the eyelid.

Chalazion, meibomian cyst.

Particularly, A chalazion occurs when there is a blockage in one of the small sebaceous glands at the edge of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes. Also, this blockage causes inflammation of the gland, which causes swelling and redness of the eyelid. This may clear up or turn into a hard, non-tender lump.

Chronic pink eye.

Also, blepharitis can lead to recurrent episodes of pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Injury to the cornea.

Especially, constant irritation from inflamed eyelids or misdirected eyelashes can cause a sore on your cornea. Also, not having enough tears can increase your risk of corneal infection.

Diagnosis of the Disease

Tests and procedures used to diagnose blepharitis include:

Examining your eyes.

Your doctor may use a special magnifying glass to examine your eyelids and eyes.

Cleaning the skin for testing.

In some cases, your doctor may use a swab to take a sample of the oil or crust that forms on your eyelid. Therefore, this sample can be analyze for evidence of bacteria, fungi or allergies.

Treatment of the Disease

Self-care measures such as rinsing your eyes and using warm compresses may be all that is need for most cases of blepharitis. Moreover, if self-care measures aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend prescription treatments that include:

Infection-fighting drugs. Antibiotics apply to the eyelid have been shown to provide symptom relief and relieve bacterial infection of the eyelids. Additionally, these are available in a variety of forms, including eye drops, creams, and ointments.

Also, if you don’t respond to topical antibiotics, your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics.

Medicines to control inflammation. Generally, steroid eye drops or ointments are use for this, usually only for people who have not responded to other treatments. Your doctor may prescribe both antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medicines that affect the immune system. Topical cyclosporine (Restasis) has been shown to relieve some of the signs and symptoms of blepharitis.

Treatments for underlying conditions. Blepharitis caused by seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, or other diseases can be controlled by treating the underlying disease.

Other treatment options, such as using intense pulsed light, can unclog glands. More work is needed.

Blepharitis rarely goes away completely. Even with successful treatment, the condition is often chronic and requires daily care with eyelid scrubs. If you don’t respond to treatment, or if your eyelashes also fall out or only one eye is affected, localized eyelid cancer can cause the condition.

Your Lifestyle and home treatment

For most cases of blepharitis, self-care measures may be the only treatment needed.

Clean your eyes every day

If you have blepharitis, apply this self-care solution two to four times a day during burns and once or twice a day after the condition is under control:

Apply a warm compress to your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen crusty deposits on your eyelids.

Using a clean cloth or clean finger, massage the eyelids firmly but gently.

Immediately use a clean cloth or cotton-tipped applicator moistened with warm water and a few drops of diluted baby shampoo or over-the-counter eyelid cleanser to remove oily residue or scales from the base of your lashes. Use a different clean cloth for each eye.

In some cases, you may need to be more careful about cleaning the edges of your eyelids to your lashes. To do this, gently pull your eyelid away from your eye and gently rub the bottom of your eyelashes with a cloth. This helps prevent damage to your cornea with the cloth.

After cleaning your eyelids in this way, ask your doctor if you can use a topical antibiotic ointment.

Rinse your eyelids with warm water and dry them gently with a clean, dry towel.

It may help to stop using eye makeup when your eyelids become inflamed. Makeup can make it difficult to keep your eyelids clean and free of residue. Also, it’s possible for makeup to reintroduce bacteria into the area or cause an allergic reaction.

Try over-the-counter artificial tears. These eye drops can help relieve dry eyes.

Control dandruff and mites

If you have dandruff contributing to your blepharitis, ask your doctor to recommend a dandruff shampoo. Using a dandruff shampoo can ease your blepharitis signs and symptoms.

Using a tea tree oil shampoo on your eyelids daily can help you deal with mites. Or try gently rubbing your eyelids once a week with 50% over-the-counter tea tree oil. Contact your doctor if you do not see improvement within six weeks. And stop using tea tree oil if it irritates your skin or eyes.

Useful Links

Strabismus Crossed Eye Squint Treatments, Diabetic Retinopathy Disease. Macular Degeneration Treatments. Glaucoma Disease and Treatments. Retinitis Pigmentosa Disease and Treatments. Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments. Periodic Eye Examinations. Blepharitis Definition (AAO).