Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margin where the eyelashes grow. The eyelids become crusty, red and itchy with some people noting a loss or misdirection of their eyelashes. Often people will complain of burning or having a gritty sensation to their eyes (like sand or a piece of hair), as well as watering (epiphora) or sensitivity to lights (photophobia). Untreated blepharitis can aggravate dry eyes, lead to the formation of styes, and create severe ocular complications such as corneal scars or ulcers.
Among the most common causes of blepharitis are poor eyelid hygiene, excessive oil production by the glands in the eyelids, bacterial infections (often staphylococcus), and dermatological conditions (such as Seborrheic dermatitis or Rosacea).
Blepharitis is a stubborn condition that is not easy to treat; often requiring management for months on end to help relieve the symptoms. Being a chronic ailment, there are often periods of overall relief, frustrated with intermittent exacerbations and eruptions of symptoms.
Some of the most effective ways to manage blepharitis are by keeping the eyelids clean with warm compresses and using gentle cleansers. A clean, warm, moist washcloth applied to the eyelid margins repeatedly for 3 – 5 minutes, helps express the oil glands along the eyelids and loosen the crust and matter that forms along the base of the eyelashes.
Mechanical cleaning of the eyelid margin with diluted baby shampoo (1 drop of baby shampoo to one cap of water) applied to a clean gauze pad or cotton ball, is the next step. Care should be directed to cleaning only the eyelash margin, and avoiding contact with the inside of the eyelid or the eye itself. Some premixed cleansing products are specifically made to clean the eyelids and are available at your pharmacy – ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Some unresponsive cases may require the use of oral or topical antibiotics, or even topical corticosteroids. Understanding the chronic nature of the disease, and that tenacity and persistence are often the best allies for resolving this problem are essential. So if you experience the symptoms of blepharitis, please contact your optometrist to help you determine the cause and recommend the right combination of treatments specifically for you.