Why do I have Blepharitis?
An inflammation of your lids is called Blepharitis. Typically, this condition affects both eyes and can develop into a chronic disease that is difficult to treat. Unfortunately, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. The good news is that it is not contagious and it is very common. If Blepharitis continues despite proper hygiene, make an appointment at Katzen Eye Care.
Symptoms
- Watery eyes and foreign body sensation
- Stinging and itchy feeling in the eyes
- Greasy or sticky eyelids
- Swollen and red eyelids
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
- Loss of lashes or lashes growing abnormally
Causes
The precise reason for Blepharitis cannot be pinpointed. It seems to develop due to several causes.
- Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
- Bacterial or Fungal eyelid infection
- Clogged oil glands
- Rosacea
- Allergies (including eye make-up and contact lens solution)
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Dry eyes
- Parasites (Demodex eyelash mites)
Blepharitis is usually associated with the overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelids. Everyone has some bacteria on their skin. However, if this overgrowth of bacteria persists, it will create a structure called biofilm. Parasites, called Demodex, feed on the biofilm and their existence on your lids make the eyelid inflammationIf Blepharitis continues, a patient needs to see an eye doctor so they can determine the causes of the condition and the best treatment to follow. There are, in most cases, three ways to treat this inflammation:
Eye Lid Scrubs
Warm Compresses and cleaning of the lids go a long way to improve this condition. Eye Lid cleaning can be done with prescribed or non-prescribed lid scrubs. Baby shampoo can also be used to clean eyelids.
In-office procedures
The eye doctor may suggest doing some office procedures to unclog the meibomian glands and to clean the eyelids more effectively.
Medicated eye drops and ointments
The medication will destroy the bacteria on your eyelids. Antibiotics will treat if it looks like an infection has developed on your lids or eyes.
Tips to keep your eyelids clean and healthy Eyelid hygiene is elementary. It just needs to be done often and adequately:
- Wash your hands
- Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water
- Place warmed washcloth on eyelids for 10 minutes
- Gently rub your eyelid margins with the washcloth
The patient should NOT wear contact lenses during blepharitis episodes. Ask your eye doctor how to prevent Blepharitis, and if you are a candidate for LASIK. No more contacts and good hygiene will do wonders for your eyes and diminish the number of infection that may affect you.
