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What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It is a very common condition that can be associated with a low-grade bacterial infection (staphylococcal blepharitis) or a generalized oily skin condition (seborrheic blepharitis).
Blepharitis is seen most commonly in adults. Factors believed to contribute to blepharitis include abnormalities in oil gland function and an alteration in bacterial colonies that normally live on the skin. Blepharitis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
Signs of Blepharitis:
How to Treat Blepharitis:
The inflammation around the eyelids can be improved by increased lid hygiene and by routinely performing lid scrubs with warm compresses. In some select cases, your Ophthalmologist may also choose to prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drop. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment in order to prevent exacerbations.
Daily Treatment:
Run the hot water in the sink until it is quite warm to the touch (not so hot as to burn your skin, but quite warm). Place a washcloth in the running water and wring out the cloth. Hold the warm damp washcloth over both eyes until the cloth cools down and repeat a few times. This helps to open the oil glands and loosen the debris in the eyelashes.
Weekly Treatment:
Using either commercially available lid scrubs or baby shampoo that has been diluted to a 50/50 concentration with water, gently scrub the eyelid margins. A cotton tipped applicator or a thin washcloth wrapped around the index finger can be used to apply the shampoo. Rinse eyelids well with warm water to remove baby shampoo.
Warm compresses and lid scrubs should be performed twice a day during exacerbations of blepharitis and then daily as maintenance. |
