A Brief Overview
Blepharitis is a common inflammatory eye condition affecting the outside of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached. It is a condition that is usually caused due to bacteria and sometimes viral infection.
Blepharitis can be classified as acute or chronic, depending on the condition of the eyelid.
In order to fetch the right diagnosis, it is strongly advisable to seek help from a health care professional specializing in eye care.
Blepharitis Symptoms
Blepharitis is an eye related condition, which can affect anyone at any age. Children and adults are equally prone to this particular condition. Men and women of all ethnicities can become victims of Blepharitis . A few of the most common symptoms and signs of Blepharitis are as follows:
- Dryness of the eyes
- Burning sensations/redness
- Sandy sensations
- Itch on the eyelids and
- Crusting (more prominent in the mornings after waking)
- Swollen eyelids
- Abnormal growth of eyelashes
- Loss of eyelashes
- Dandruff of the lashes
Remember, all these symptoms tend to get worse, especially in the mornings. Besides the above mentioned signs, complaints of sufferers also include stickiness of the eyes, intolerance towards contact lenses, excessive eye watering, and oversensitivity to light.
Blepharitis Causes
We all have bacteria on the surface of our skin, however, in some people, bacteria thrive in the skin near the base of the eyelashes. When large amounts of bacteria thrive around the eyelashes, it leads to dandruff-like scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins.
Most of the Blepharitis cases are posterior blepharitis, caused due to inflammation of the meibomian glands of the lids. The eyelid margins get inflamed and irritated when these glands start producing abnormal secretions. In addition, allergies due to reactions from mascara, contact lens solutions, exposure to animals, and environmental chemicals can all lead to Blepharitis . Besides, inflammation of the lids can also be caused due to infestation of the lashes by head lice.
Blepharitis Treatment
First and foremost, like any other condition, treatment of Blepharitis should begin with a visit to a specialist, in this case an eye specialist. Make sure that the specialist you are visiting in qualified and experienced in treating Blepharitis . Once you go to the doctor, he or she will determine the cause of your red and itchy eyelids. Your doctor will then closely examine your eyelids and eyes in order to diagnose your condition. Here you will know whether you have Blepharitis and what type of treatment will be most appropriate.
Generally speaking, Blepharitis treatment includes the following procedures:
- Eyelids Scrub
In order to ensure a successful Blepharitis treatment, your specialist will recommend a daily regimen of warm compresses and lid scrubs that will clean your eyelids and also reduce the amount of bacteria and Demodex mites on your lids. It is imperative to remove the buildup of excess bacteria from the lid margins. The prescription may include eyelid cleansers, eyelid cleansing pads, and diluted baby shampoos.
- Eye drops/ ointments
In addition, your specialist may also prescribe a few topical medicines that help in eliminating excess bacteria or microbes on the eyelids that cause Blepharitis .
It is essential to ensure that appropriate eyelid hygiene is maintained in order to treat and control Blepharitis . An eye doctor may recommend using a warm compress once a day or several times daily. Plus, you may also be instructed to keep your eyelids clean by using cleaning agents such as over-the-counter or prescribed eyelid cleansers. There are many other simple eye care tips you can follow.
It is important to note that Blepharitis is a chronic condition, which means it can keep coming back frequently. Therefore, in order to avoid Blepharitis or to keep it at bay, clean your eyelids regularly to prevent the formation of excess bacteria and Demodex mites on the eyelid margins. There are various eye masks available for soothing the symptoms of Blepharitis. Here is one such Blepharitis eye mask that we recommend.
Your specialist may advise you for routine cleaning of your eyelids to maintain healthy eyes and eyelids. Also, check with your doctor for any health maintenance programs that might be helpful.
All in all, ensure that you keep a vigilant check on the health of your eyes and eyelids. If any Blepharitis symptoms and signs are visible, go and see your doctor immediately.
When My problem started I didn’t even know that it was Blepharitis. I had dry eyes and also redness in my eyes But I though it to be of some allergic reaction. But as the problem grew I consulted with a doctor and He suggested that I take extra care now as it is a condition know as Blepharitis.
Eye masks also works great on the condition, I have been using certain eye mask therapies in the recent past and I am free from belpharitis now, I did had some issues. I also used oils and ointments but now of them worked that effectively as the eye masks.