Managing Blepharitis

Posted by EyeseeNaturally on March 1st, 2015

If you’ve never before heard of blepharitis, then you have been lucky enough to have never had to deal with it personally. In short, blepharitis is a fancy name for inflammation of the eyelids - a condition that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.

What is blepharitis and why does it happen?

Blepharitis refers to eyelid inflammation that generally occurs on the eyelid where the eyelashes grow. It is a very common eye condition that most often occurs in people over the age of 40.

This inflammation if most often a result of the malfunctioning of the eyelid’s oil glands. Other causes can include allergic reactions to products or environmental factors, medications, bacterial infections, rosacea, and more.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Some of the symptoms of blepharitis include itchy, swollen, or red eyelids or eyes, a “crustiness” of eyelashes upon waking, watery eyes, light sensitivity, burning eyes, and discomfort.

How is blepharitis treated?

Blepharitis can be very uncomfortable and treating it can be tricky. Treatments that can be done at home include warm compresses and regularly cleaning the area. Women should take a hiatus from wearing eye makeup. However, if treating blepharitis at home does not rectify the issue, it may be time to visit your eye doctor. Tests will be done to determine the cause of the inflammation and to determine if there are any underlying causes. Treatment under your eye doctor’s care may include a round of antibiotics, ointments, or eyedrops.

If left untreated and unresolved, blepharitis can interfere with your life, potentially causing you to develop dry eye, a sty (infection that causes a lump on the eyelid), chronic pink eye, the inability to wear contact lenses, and even cornea infection. If you are having symptoms of blepharitis and you are unable to rectify it on your own, be sure to visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.

About Author

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Epi-Lasik, Thin Flap Lasik, AST, PRK CK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.