Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)
What is Blepharitis?
Signs and Symptoms
Detection and Diagnosis
Treatment
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the eyelids. It usually causes burning, itching and irritation of the lids. In severe cases, it may also cause styes, irritation and inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and conjunctiva (conjunctivitis). Some patients have no symptoms at all.
Blepharitis is usually a chronic problem that can be controlled with extra attention to lid hygiene. However, it is sometimes caused by an infection and may require medication.
Blepharitis is a chronic or long term inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. It affects people of all ages. Among the most common causes of blepharitis are poor eyelid hygiene; excessive oil produced by the glands in the eyelid; a bacterial infection (often staphylococcal); or an allergic reaction.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sandy, itchy eyes
- Red and/or swollen eyelids
- Crusty, flaky skin on the eyelids
- Dandruff
Detection and Diagnosis
Blepharitis is detected during a routine examination of the eyelids and lashes using a slit lamp microscope.
Treatment
The key to controlling blepharitis is to keep the eyelids and eyelashes clean.
Directions For A Warm Soak Of The Eyelids
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Moisten a clean washcloth with warm water.
- Close eyes and place washcloth on eyelids for about 5 minutes.
- Repeat several times daily.
Directions For An Eyelid Scrub
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Mix warm water and a small amount of shampoo that does not irritate the eye (baby shampoo) or use a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by your optometrist.
- Close one eye and using a clean wash cloth (a different one for each eye), rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and the edge of the eyelid.
- Rinse with clear, cool water.
- Repeat with the other eye.
To schedule an appointment for Blepharitis or cornea based treatments in Los Angeles, please call 310.275.5533 and we would be happy to help you or click here. |
