Blepharitis
Blepharitis is simply an inflammation of the outer edges of the eyelids where the eyelashes originate. It is a common condition that may never totally go away, but it can be controlled by treatment.
To keep it under control, you will have to devote some time and effort to its care. If you don't, it will probably recur, which is why it is also called "chronic blepharitis".
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of blepharitis are:
-Itching
-Burning
-Feeling that something is in your eye
-Tearing of the eyes
-Crusting around the eyes when you wake up in the morning
Crusts from the eyelid margin (where the eyelashes start) will form and continually flake off. If they fall into your eyes, they can be irritating and cause a feeling of 'something in your eye'. Also, it can make your eye look red and bloodshot. The edges of your eyelids may stay red a lot of teh time, making it look as if you have been crying. Sometimes the lids will itch and you will want to rub your eyes to relieve the itching.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Blepharitis can be caused by a number of infectious organisms, though in most cases it is related to seborrhea, a common condition of the skin and hair known as 'dandruff'. It is not caused by a need for glasses and blepharitis itself does not affect your eyesight.
Examination
To check for blepharitis the doctor will examine the outer and inner surfaces of your eyelids under magnification with a slit lamp (clinical microscope).
Treatment
Most cases of blepharitis are adequately controlled with
1) Lid scrubs twice a day: Using a wash cloth with warm water and mild soap, scrub along the edge of your eyelids, where the eyelashes grow. Be careful not to get the soap in your eyes. This helps to remove any of the crusts/debris that has accumulated and will help prevent eye infections, as well as make the eyes feel more comfortable.
2) Warm compresses for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day: Moisten a wash cloth with warm water and hold it over you eyes (with your eyes closed). This helps to open up the glands along your eyeleashes.
3) Use artificial tears as needed throughout the day: If you have symptoms of 'something in your eye' artificial tears can be used to flush the eye, and keep the eye lubricated.
Once your condition is under control (after performing the above for approximately 1 month), the lid scrubs and warm compresses can be reduced to once daily. They often need to maintained indefinitely though to keep the blepharitis under control.
In most cases, the above is sufficient to control your blepharitis, however, in more severe cases, an antibiotic may be needed to help bring the condition under control at the beginning. Your eye doctor will tell you whether or not an antibiotic is needed.
*note: you should always consult your eye doctor before beginning any treatment
To keep it under control, you will have to devote some time and effort to its care. If you don't, it will probably recur, which is why it is also called "chronic blepharitis".
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of blepharitis are:
-Itching
-Burning
-Feeling that something is in your eye
-Tearing of the eyes
-Crusting around the eyes when you wake up in the morning
Crusts from the eyelid margin (where the eyelashes start) will form and continually flake off. If they fall into your eyes, they can be irritating and cause a feeling of 'something in your eye'. Also, it can make your eye look red and bloodshot. The edges of your eyelids may stay red a lot of teh time, making it look as if you have been crying. Sometimes the lids will itch and you will want to rub your eyes to relieve the itching.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Blepharitis can be caused by a number of infectious organisms, though in most cases it is related to seborrhea, a common condition of the skin and hair known as 'dandruff'. It is not caused by a need for glasses and blepharitis itself does not affect your eyesight.
Examination
To check for blepharitis the doctor will examine the outer and inner surfaces of your eyelids under magnification with a slit lamp (clinical microscope).
Treatment
Most cases of blepharitis are adequately controlled with
1) Lid scrubs twice a day: Using a wash cloth with warm water and mild soap, scrub along the edge of your eyelids, where the eyelashes grow. Be careful not to get the soap in your eyes. This helps to remove any of the crusts/debris that has accumulated and will help prevent eye infections, as well as make the eyes feel more comfortable.
2) Warm compresses for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day: Moisten a wash cloth with warm water and hold it over you eyes (with your eyes closed). This helps to open up the glands along your eyeleashes.
3) Use artificial tears as needed throughout the day: If you have symptoms of 'something in your eye' artificial tears can be used to flush the eye, and keep the eye lubricated.
Once your condition is under control (after performing the above for approximately 1 month), the lid scrubs and warm compresses can be reduced to once daily. They often need to maintained indefinitely though to keep the blepharitis under control.
In most cases, the above is sufficient to control your blepharitis, however, in more severe cases, an antibiotic may be needed to help bring the condition under control at the beginning. Your eye doctor will tell you whether or not an antibiotic is needed.
*note: you should always consult your eye doctor before beginning any treatment
