What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids and often affects people with oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes. Bacteria that live naturally on everyone's skin surface around the eyes may, in some people, develop on the skin at the base of the eyelids. This results in eye irritation, which, in combination with the occasional oily secretions due to increased activity of adjacent glands, creates “scales” or chalazia along the eyelashes and the eyelids.

Image 2: Chalazion

In blepharitis, both eyelids are covered with oily secretions near the base of the eyelashes. The eye is irritated and may be inflamed.

How can blepharitis be diagnosed?

In some cases, exfoliation or bacteria cause only a small irritation and itch, but in some cases they can cause redness, pinches, sand or burning sensation. Some people may develop allergies to exfoliation or the bacteria that surround them. This may lead to more serious complications, like inflammation of the tissues of the eye, especially of the retina.

How can blepharitis be diagnosed?

Blepharitis is diagnosed during an ophthalmological exam.

How is blepharitis treated?

Blepharitis can be a persistent problem. Even though there is no special treatment, it can be controlled through a regular hygiene program and with the help of medication.

How can blepharitis be treated through a hygiene program?

To keep blepharitis under control, you need to follow a regular program of eye hygiene.

At least twice a day, douse a clean towel in warm water (not hot). After wringing, place it on the closed eyelids for one to three minutes. As it loses temperature, douse it again once or twice. This will soften and loosen exfoliation and secretions. More importantly, it helps liquefy the oily secretions from the sebaceous glands of the eyelids, whichLight washing of the eyelashes (not the eye) with Baby Shampoo (which must be diluted with a 1 to 10 ratio).
If an antibiotic ointment has been prescribed, dab the base of your eyelashes (usually before sleeping at night) using the edge of your finger or a cotton swab, and gently rub the area.

Simple, everyday hygiene measures will reduce the number of additional medication needed to control blepharitis and its symptoms.

How much does medication help with blepharitis?

There are many drugs to treat blepharitis; they include steroids (cortisone) and antibiotics in the form of ointment or drops or, in some cases, they could be taken orally for systematic treatment both of severe blepharThese steroid medicines can be used to reduce the inflammation. While they often succeed in accelerating symptom relief, they may cause unpleasant side-effects after long-term use. That is why they should be administered only after an ophthalmological examination and not arbitrarily.

Antibiotics can be used to reduce the bacteria contained in the eyelids.

Artificial tears may be used to relieve symptoms of dry eyes (drops that don't need prescription – we suggest using a brand with no preservatives).

When the acute phase is over, something that can take a few weeks, some milder medication can help control blepharitis. We should, however, point out, that medication alone is not enough. Everyday cleaning routine, as described above, is quite important.

Remember: Your ophthalmologist is the best source for responsible answers on issues related to your eyes and their health. Under no circumstances is information taken from our website intended to replace him. Seek your doctor for complete information.