Blepharitis of the Eyelid

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, particularly at the lid margins. It's a common disorder and may be associated with a low-grade bacterial infection or a generalized skin condition.

Blepharitis occurs in two forms: anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached. The two most common causes are bacteria and scalp dandruff.

Posterior blepharitis affects the inner eyelid and is caused by problems with the oil glands in the eyelid. Two skin disorders are the cause: scalp dandruff and Rosasea.

Regardless of which type of blepharitis you have, you will probably have such symptoms as eye irritation, burning, tearing, crusty debris, in the lashes, in the corner of the eyes or on the lids, dryness, and eyelid margins that are red.

It is important to see your eye doctor and get treatment. If your blepharitis is bacterial, possible long-term effects are thickened lid margins, dilated and visible capillaries, eyelash loss. The lower third of the cornea may exhibit significant erosion.

Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur. Treatment depends on the type of blepharitis you have. It may include applying warm compresses to the eyelids, cleansing them, using an antibiotic and/or massaging the lids. If your blepharitis makes your eyes feel dry, the doctor may also prescribe artificial tears or lubricating ointments, or suggest silicone plugs for the tear ducts. Sometimes steroids are used to control inflammation, but the potential side effects speak against long-term use.

The warm compress portion of treatment is designed to loosen crusts on your eyes before you cleanse them; it can also warm up and loosen the plugs blocking the meibomian glands. Wash your hands, then dampen a clean washcloth with warm water and place it over your closed eyes. When you first begin treatment, your doctor will probably suggest that you do this four times a day, for about five minutes each time. Later on, you might apply the compress once a day, for a few minutes. Your doctor will tell you the specific treatment needed for your eyes.

Cleansing the eyelids is essential to blepharitis treatment. Your doctor will recommend what to clean them with: warm water only, salt water, baby shampoo diluted with warm water or a special over-the-counter product specifically made for cleansing the lids. First wash your hands, then dip a clean washcloth, cotton swab or gauze pad into your cleaning solution. Gently wipe it across your lashes and lid margin. Rinse with cool water. Use a different washcloth, swab, or pad for your other eye, and repeat the process. When you first begin treatment, your doctor may have you cleanse your lids several times a day. Later on, he or she will probably instruct you to cleanse them about once a day.