BLEPHARITIS
Blepharitis is when you have bacteria and oily flakes at the base of your eyelashes. Your eyelids are red, swollen, or feel like they are burning. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes.
If Blepharitis is left untreated it can lead to a number of complications. Some patients experience excessive tearing, dry eyes, chronic pink eye infections and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Additionally, injury of the cornea may occur due to the constant irritation, inflammation, insufficient tearing and misdirected eyelashes. It is important to consult an experienced doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.
TREATMENT FOR BLEPHARITIS
WARM COMPRESS
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging.
EYELID SCRUBS
Soak a clean washcloth, cotton swab (Q-tip) applicator, or lint-free pad in warm water. Then use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes. Scrub for about 15 seconds.
ANTIBIOTICS
Your ophthalmologist may have you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or a cotton swab (Q-tip). Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Do this just before bedtime, or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic medicine for you to take by mouth as well.
EYE DROPS
Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling and dry eye. Your ophthalmologist might prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to help the oil glands work better.
SKIN & EYELID HYGIENE
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging.