Blepharitis
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the margins of the eyelids causing irritation and great inconvenience. It is common condition in people of all ages and usually is caused by bacterial infections in the eyelids or in the eyelash follicles. It is not a threat to general health or vision but needs to be treated once diagnosed.
Causes of Blepharitis:
Bacterial Infections are the main causes of blepharitis in the glands of the eyelids and eyelash follicles such as seborrhoea (scalp dandruff) and golden staph.
Symptoms:
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of grit in the eyes
- Burning and stinging of the eyes
- Excessive or frothy tears
- Crusty or sticky eyelashes
- Redness
Treatment:
Blepharitis is sometimes an ongoing condition which cannot be cured but can be controlled. Most important of all to the treatment, and perhaps complete elimination of blepharitis, is a daily and frequent cleaning routine. Treatment may take some weeks to control or ease the symptoms.
Cleaning techniques and treatments are
- Make sure hands are well washed prior to touching the eye
- Only use a tissue or cotton bud once
- Wash with warm water or special eyelid cleaner
- Apply a hot compression washer/towel to the eyelids with eyes closed and massage gentle
- Avoid makeup around the area (eye shadow, eye liner, Mascara)
For more information: https://ranzco.edu/ophthalmology-and-eye-health/eye-conditions