Blepharitis: Symptoms and treatment

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an excess growth of bacteria that is usually found on the skin and occasionally caused by allergies.

Blepharitis is a common eye condition which causes the eyelids to be reddened, itchy and somewhat swollen and scaly-appearing at the base of the eyelashes. As scales become coarser, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and forms crusts which may cause the lids to stick together when you wake up in the morning. If this crust falls into your eye, you may feel like you have something in your eye or experience a gritty sensation.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

The symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Feeling like something is in your eye.
• Burning of the eye.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Red and swollen eyes or eyelids.
• Blurry vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Crusting of the eyelashes.

How is blepharitis treated?

Blepharitis cannot be cured but it can be treated and controlled through proper eyelid hygiene. Left untreated, blepharitis can develop into a more serious condition such as scarring or injury to the eye's tissue. If you have blepharitis, follow the steps listed below to help treat and cleanse your eye.

• Wet a clean flannel in very warm water. Wring the flannel and place it over the closed eyelids for five minutes. Wet the flannel again if necessary to maintain the desired temperature. This will help to soften crusts and loosen oily debris.
• Place the warm wet flannel over your index finger and apply a diluted solution of 50% baby shampoo or mild soap.
• Cleanse one eye at a time. Close the eye you are cleansing and rub the flannel or your finger over the eyelashes and lid edges several times using horizontal strokes.
• Rinse thoroughly with a clean flannel which has been under the warm tap. Pat dry.

When eyelid hygiene is not enough to provide a solution, a doctor may recommend topical or oral antibiotics.

How do I prevent blepharitis?

There are many everyday steps that you can take to prevent blepharitis. These include:

• Keeping your hands and face clean.
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes with dirty fingers, a soiled handkerchief etc.
• Removing all eye make-up before bedtime.

If you are in the early stages of treating blepharitis, avoid using eye make-up to prevent further irritation. Once you begin using make-up again, replace any liquid products because your old products may be contaminated.