What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is usually caused by the malfunction of the tiny oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes. Even with treatment of blepharitis, relapses occur.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Call your ophthalmologist if you have these symptoms and they don’t improve within a couple of days of regular cleaning to the area.
- Watery, red eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Eyelids that are red, swollen, itchy and appear greasy
- Flaking skin around the eyelids
- Crusted eyelashes and eyelids sticking
- Frequent blinking and sensitivity to light
- Eyelashes that grow abnormally or that fall out
Blepharitis can be associated with the following factors:
- Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
- Bacterial infection
- Oil gland malfunction in the eyelid
- Rosacea
- Allergies to eye medication, contact lens solution or makeup
- Eyelash mites or lice
- Some severe acne medications cause an increase in bacteria in the eyes.
Blepharitis may be relieved by:
Self-care is often the only treatment necessary for blepharitis. If these suggestions do not help, call your ophthalmologist.
- Gently washing your eyelids a few times a day
- Apply a warm washcloth to your closed eyes for five minutes at a time
- Rinse your eyes with warm water
- Avoid makeup or anything that irritates your eyes
Blepharitis is diagnosed by:
- A close examination of the eye and eyelid by your ophthalmologist
- Skin swab of the affected area.
Blepharitis may be treated by your ophthalmologist with:
- Antiobiotics
- Steroid eyedrops or ointments
- Artificial tears
- Treating the underlying factors of dandruff and rosacea