What Is Blepharitis?
Eyelid margin disease, or blepharitis, is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids. This condition
frequently occurs in people with a tendency towards oily skin,
dandruff, acne or dry eyes.
With blepharitis, both the upper and lower eyelids become coated
with oily particles and bacteria near the base of the eyelashes. It may
cause irritation of the eye and eyelids, itchiness, redness, and stinging
or burning of the eye.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Everyone has bacteria on the surface of their skin, but in some people,
bacteria thrive in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. Large amounts of bacteria around the eyelashes can cause
dandruff-like scales and secretions to form along the lashes and eyelid
margins.
Blepharitis is usually chronic with alternating periods of quiescence
and flare-ups. Blepharitis is also associated with Meibomitis, a
dysfunction and inflammation of the nearby oil glands of the eyelids
(Meibomian Glands Dysfunction) causing eye dryness.
How Is Blepharitis Treated?
Blepharitis is often a chronic condition, but it can be controlled with the following treatment:
Warm compresses and lid massage: The compress is placed over the closed eyelids for at least one minute.
Repeat two or three times, rewetting the compress as it cools. This will loosen scales and debris around the
eyelashes. It also helps dilute oil secretions from nearby oil glands, preventing the development of a
chalazion. Recently the introduction by Thea of new goggles that can heat the eyelids while worn is giving a
better sustained effect. After this procedure lid massage is done to empty the secretions of the lid glands.
Eyelid scrubs: Using a cotton swab soaked in warm water and a drop of baby shampoo or commercial pads
containing cleansing solutions, gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds per eyelid. This
can be done once or twice a day, and after several weeks can improve the discomfort of your eyes.
Lubricants: Preservative-Free Artificial Tears are available without a prescription, and range from liquids to
gels to ointments. Thinner preparations should be used frequently throughout the day, up to every 1-2
hours, and thicker preparations may be used at bedtime. These can help to relieve dry eye symptoms and
keep the eyes comfortable.
Topical Antibiotics: Antibiotics are given either for a short period to treat the underlying infection in
Blepharitis or for a longer period (6 months) to treat the inflammatory condition and prevent later flare- ups.
Good hygiene: Because blepharitis can be a persistent problem, you should practice good skin and eyelid
hygiene to prevent recurrences. In addition to careful cleansing of your eyelashes, washing your hair and
eyebrows with antibacterial shampoo also can help control blepharitis.
If your blepharitis symptoms persist and none of the above treatments help, contact Dr. Farah. There are other
treatments available for more severe cases.