What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids near the eyelashes. It is usually chronic. It is a common condition and needs to be treated, especially to prevent more serious infections.
What are the symptoms and signs?- Redness of the eyelids and lid margins
- Irritation and soreness of the eyes
- Sensation of 'something in the eye'
- Grittiness, burning, itching, and dryness
- Discharge from the lids
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Greasy appearance of the eyelid margins
- Flakes of skin like dandruff
- Loss of eyelashes
- Small ulcers on the eyelid
- Crusting and bleeding (if severe)
- Debris on the eyelids should be gently cleaned with warm water or a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or 1 in 10 dilution of baby shampoo
- An alternative is to bathe the eyes under the shower for a couple of minutes, gently wiping the top and bottom of the eyelids where they meet the eyelashes with the tips of the fingers.
- A further alternative is to apply warm water or saline soak with gauze for 10 minutes, followed by bathing.
- Daily treatment for 2-3 months is expected.
- Tear supplements can be helpful (such as Systane single dose, Bion Tears and Refresh)
- Occasionally stronger treatments are required.
