Blepharitis

• What is Blepharitis?

• What are the Symptoms?

• How is it Cured?

• What is the Treatment?

• Daily Eyelid Hygiene

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is one of the most common external disorders of the eye, or more precisely, the margins of the eyelid. There are several types of blepharitis, most of which are caused by bacterial infection, however allergies, toxins or viral infection can also lead to its development. Tiny glands in the eyelid may become plugged, causing irritation. Your eye care professional can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

 

What are the Symptoms?

Commonly, your eyelid margins are red, with scales and flakes apparent at the base of the lashes. There may be irritation or the sensation of a foreign body in your eye; with redness, burning and itching of the eyelid margin. On awakening in the morning, your eyelids may feel sticky with crusted matter caused by an oily discharge from the eyelid glands. Untreated, these glands may become plugged and infected, potentially leading to recurrent styes, dry eye syndrome and a loss of lashes.

 

How is it Cured?

Unfortunately, blepharitis is usually a chronic condition for which there is no known cure. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment is key to controlling the symptoms and to prevent worsening of the condition.

 

What is the Treatment?

Your eye care professional will recommend a course of treatment for your specific condition. Your willingness to comply with instructions however, will be the most critical factor in successful treatment.

Treatment almost always requires a program of daily eyelid hygiene including eyelid cleansing at specified intervals. This cleansing helps to remove debris, crust and toxic products from the eyelid margin. In addition, warm compresses applied directly to the eyelid margins, and the use of antibiotic ointment or drops may be prescribed. Ocular lubricants may also be recommended to relieve symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.

It's important to know that in some cases, it may take up to eight weeks to notice an improvement and ongoing treatment is often necessary to keep the condition under control.

 

Daily Eyelid Hygiene?

A program of daily eyelid hygiene, as recommended by your eye care professional, goes a long way in controlling the symptoms and severity of blepharitis. Eyelid cleansers such as Lid-Care® and Lid-Care® Towelettes form an important part of that program.

Thorough eyelid cleansing with Lid-Care will help remove debris, crust and toxic products from the lid margin.

Follow these simple steps for effective eyelid hygiene

1. Warm Compress
   If recommended, a warm compress can help to loosen the debris on the lashes allowing for easier removal with Lid-Care. Use a clean wash cloth soaked in warm water and apply to the eyelids for about 15 minutes. Re-warm the cloth as necessary.
2. Clean the lash area with Lid-Care
   In front of a well illuminated mirror, fold the Lid-Care Towelette or wet a gauze pad with Lid-Care and fold; open the eye and expose the lid margin. Scrub the upper and lower lids by rubbing the sudsy pad back and forth along the base of the lashes several times
3. Clean the eyelid with Lid-Care
   Close the lid and rub a fresh Lid-Care Towelette, or the wet gauze pad, over the upper and lower eyelid and lash several times
4. Rinse
   After each application, rinse the cleansed area thoroughly with clean, warm water and pat dry
5. Apply Medication
   If your eye care professional has prescribed any medication, apply as directed

 

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