What Is Blepharitis and How Is It Treated?

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. This is not a contagious condition, and it does not cause lasting harm to an individual's eyes. One can manage the symptoms if the inflammation fails to clear.

 

Types of Blepharitis

There are two main types of blepharitis. An individual can suffer from one or both at the same time.

 

Anterior blepharitis affects the inner part of your eye, where your eyelid attaches to the eyelashes. Dandruff from your skin or eyebrows or bacteria in your skin can cause anterior blepharitis. In rare cases, mites or allergies may cause this type of blepharitis.

 

Posterior blepharitis affects the outer part of the inner edge of your eyelid. It happens when oil glands found in your eyelid get clogged. In addition, common skin conditions like scalp dandruff and rosacea cause posterior blepharitis.

 

Blepharitis Symptoms

Blepharitis signs and symptoms are usually worse in the morning when you wake up. They include:

 

• Light sensitivity
   

• Stinging or burning eyes
   

• Itchy eyes
   

• Watery eyes
   

• Dry eyes
   

• Swollen and red eyelids or eyes
   

• Feeling like there is something in your eyes
   

• Crusty eyelashes or eyelids in the morning when you wake up
   

• Tears that have bubbles or are foamy
  
   

Blepharitis can lead to severe complications such as:

 

• Falling out of eyelashes
   

• Blurry vision
   

• Eyelashes growing in the wrong direction
   

• Swelling of different parts of your eyes like the cornea
  
   

When to See Your Doctor

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have symptoms that do not improve even after cleaning and caring for the affected area.

 

Diagnosis

Your doctor will conduct procedures and tests to diagnose blepharitis. They will use a unique magnifying instrument to examine your eyelids and eyes. In some cases, they may collect a sample of crust or oil found on your eyelid using a swab. They then use the specimen swabbed to analyze the presence of fungi, bacteria, or allergies.

Treatment

Self-care can be enough to treat blepharitis. Measures such as using warm compresses and washing your eyes work for most cases. If self-remedies do not work, your doctor can suggest treatments such as:

 

Antibiotics to fight infection - The use of antibiotics on the eyelid provides relief to infections and signs of blepharitis. Your doctor may also recommend antibiotics in the form of ointments, creams, or eyedrops

 

Medication for inflammation - Your doctor can use a steroid cream and eye drops if you do not respond to other therapies or treatments

 

Medication to affect your immune system - These treatments boost your immune system and its ability to fight infections

 

Treatment of underlying conditions - Conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis can cause blepharitis. Treating the root cause can help treat blepharitis

 

Blepharitis hardly disappears completely. The condition is sometimes chronic regardless of frequent treatments and successful therapies. If the treatments are not responding, and if you have lost a significant amount of your eyelashes or one of your eyes is becoming affected, consult a doctor. They will perform a general body examination to detect any underlying problem.

For more on blepharitis and its treatment, contact Quality Eye Care at our offices in Jacksonville or Gainesville, Florida. You can call (904) 601-1300 today to schedule an appointment.