Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is the name of a common condition where eyelids become inflamed and irritated. It can be caused by dry eyes, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, dysfunction of the glands in your eyelids, or parasites like eyelash mites. It also occurs frequently with pink eye.

Sometimes, skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis can also contribute to blepharitis. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to treat the underlying cause to fully treat your blepharitis too.

Symptoms of blepharitis can include:

• Red and swollen eyes/eyelids
• Crust around eyelashes, especially after waking up
• Burning or stinging feeling
• Itchy eyelids
• Gritty feeling in eyes

Treatment

If you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to determine the cause of your blepharitis. Since it can often be a chronic condition, it’s important for your eye doctor to understand the cause. Then, he or she can create a treatment plan that helps prevent your blepharitis from coming back.

Sometimes a simple at-home treatment is all that is needed to get rid of blepharitis. Carefully washing the eyelid area and using a warm compress to get rid of bacteria or loosen clogged glands can do the trick. Your eye doctor will tell you how often you should use the warm compress per day and how long you need to keep it on your eye. It will likely be several times a day at the beginning of treatment, then less often as you heal. Your eye doctor may also give you a special cleanser to use.

For more stubborn cases, your eye doctor may perform a simple in-office procedure to thoroughly cleanse your eyelids or prescribe a topical medication for you to use. If you are given a prescription, be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the most effective treatment.

While you are treating your blepharitis, you shouldn’t wear contact lenses. Also, avoid using eye makeup to allow the area to heal without further irritation.