What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. It usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to irritated and red eyes. Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat and can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight, and is not contagious.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis occurs in two forms:
Anterior blepharitis: Affects the outer front part of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The two most common causes of anterior blepharitis are bacteria (staphylococcus) and scalp dandruff.
Posterior blepharitis: Affects the inner eyelid (the moist part that makes contact with the eye) and is caused by problems with the oil (meibomian) glands in this part of the eyelids. Two skin disorders can cause this from of blepharitis; acne rosacea, which leads to red and inflamed skin, and scalp dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of either form of blepharitis include a foreign body or burning sensation, excessive tearing, itching, sensitivity to light, red and swollen eyelids, redness of the eye, blurred vision, frothy tears, dry eye, or crusting of the eyelashes on awakening.
How can I prevent blepharitis?
There are many everyday steps that you can take to prevent blepharitis. Some of there include removing all eye makeup before bedtime. If you are in the early stages of treating blepharitis, avoid the use of eye makeup to prevent further irritation. Once you begin using makeup again, replace your products used on or near the eyelids because they may be contaminated.
Home remedies for blepharitis
Maintain eye lid hygiene.
Scrub your eyelids.
It is the best to use hot, dry compresses such as a hot pack or gel pack.
Use the compresses for a few minutes once or twice daily until your condition improves, usually 4 weeks.
There are products you can buy over the counter such as “lidcare” towelettes, or “blepharon shampoo” to help gently scrub your eyelids. You may also use 2-3 drops of Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo mixed with a cup of warm water.
Gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for 15 seconds per eyelid.
Rinse both eyes with cool water to get rid of any remaining residue.
Pat dry gently using a soft towel.
Supplement with omega 3 fatty acids. This can help ease the symptoms of blepharitis, especially when associated with ocular rosacea. These fatty acids aid healthy functioning of the meibomian glands, which is essential for proper lubrication of the eyes and eyelid comfort. Eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, trout, flax seeds and walnuts are a great source of omega 3. You can also take supplements. For the correct dosage, always consult your doctor.
How is blepharitis treated?
Treatment for both forms of blepharitis involves keeping the lids clean and fee of crust. Warm compresses should be applied to the lid to loosen the crusts in the morning and night before bed, followed by a light scrubbing of the eyelid with a cotton swab and mixture of water and baby shampoo. Blepharitis rarely goes away completely and because of this, most patients must maintain an eyelid hygiene routine for life. If the blepharitis is severe, your eye care professional may also prescribe antibiotics or a short course of steroid eye drops or ointment. In addition to the warm compresses, patients with posterior blepharitis will need to massage their eyelids to clean the oil accumulated in the glands.