What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes eyelid inflammation. It is a chronic external eye disorder resulting in red, burning, and irritated eyes.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the oil glands behind the eyelashes. These oil glands are responsible for producing the outermost layer of tears.

With blepharitis, the oils from these glands do not flow freely, and the gland openings become plugged. Blepharitis frequently occurs in people who have a tendency towards oily skin and dandruff. It can occur at any age.

What happens if blepharitis is left untreated?

Left untreated, the eyes’ oil glands can become irritated and possibly infected. Loss of eyelashes can occur as well as recurrent painful eyelid swelling or styes. Dandruff-like scales may be found at the base of the eyelashes.

How do you treat blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a chronic condition and has no cure. While over-the-counter treatments for blepharitis are available, consult your Doctor of Optometry if you experience these symptoms. 

There are several ways to treat blepharitis:

Warm compresses: Clean away the crusty material around the lashes with warm compresses. This helps keep the lashes clean if done at least twice a day. 

Commercial lid scrubs: Lid scrubs are medicated pads similar to the ones used to remove eye makeup. They can also help to clean the eyelids further. 

Cotton ball: Dilute a small amount of baby shampoo in a small cup with warm water. A cotton ball soaked in the diluted shampoo can be carefully applied to the eyelashes. In either case, after using lid scrubs, gently rinse the solution off with warm water. 

Antibiotic ointments: Sometimes antibiotic ointments applied to the lid margins may help manage the symptoms of blepharitis. 

Eye drops: Artificial tear and steroid eye drops may be prescribed. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may have to be considered as a treatment.