Blepharitis Treatment
What is Blepharitis
Blepharitis, a type of eyelid inflammation, is an irritation of your eyelids that can cause them to appear red and your eyelashes to become crusty. This condition can lead to discomfort, making your eyes feel sore, irritated, and sometimes even burning, itching, or stinging. While blepharitis is typically not serious, it can result in other eye health issues if left untreated, such as styes, ulcers, and conjunctivitis. You might also notice that your eyelids become puffy, with symptoms often worsening in the morning upon waking. Importantly, blepharitis is a chronic condition, which means it may recur even after it has cleared up and commonly affects both eyes.
Who is at risk
Blepharitis is a common eye health issue, particularly in individuals over the age of 50, although it can occur at any age. As people age, the meibomian glands in their eyelids can become more easily blocked, leading to symptoms such as gritty and dry eyes, which are indicative of eyelid inflammation. Consequently, older adults are more predisposed to developing blepharitis. Factors that increase the likelihood of blepharitis include: 1. A skin condition called rosacea. 2. A skin condition known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which causes the skin to become oily, inflamed, or flaky. 3. An infestation of eyelashes. 4. Prolonged use of contact lenses over many years.
Management
It’s possible to make your eyes more comfortable, but in most cases, blepharitis, a form of eyelid inflammation, cannot be fully cured. If you have blepharitis, it’s advisable to avoid smoky environments and refrain from using eye make-up, such as eyeliner and mascara, to maintain optimal eye health.
**Warm compresses**
Warm compresses can help by melting the blocked material in the meibomian glands and loosening the crusts on the eyelid, making them easier to remove. You can easily create warm compresses at home by soaking a clean flannel, cotton-wool ball, or a similar item in hot (not boiling) water and squeezing out the excess. Place it on the edge of your closed eyelids for about five minutes, and while it rests there, gently rock or massage the compress. This action will help soften the material in the glands and loosen any crusts, allowing for easier cleaning of your lids. Remember to use a separate clean compress for each eye.
**Lid cleaning**
Gently clean the edges of your eyelids near your lashes to support eye health. Wipe from the inside (near your nose) to the outside corner of your eye. It’s safe to try cleaning behind the lashes (home to the meibomian glands), but avoid touching the inside edge by gently pulling away the eyelids from the eye. Initially, repeat this twice a day and then reduce to once a day as the condition improves. You may require special cleaning treatments to help remove crusts or infestations from your eyelids and lashes, particularly in cases of conjunctivitis or severe blepharitis.
**Antibiotics**
If warm compresses and cleaning do not provide relief, your optometrist may prescribe antibiotic ointment or tablets as part of your treatment for blepharitis.