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Blepharitis

Blepharitis Visualization

Blepharitis Visualization

Understanding Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common, often chronic condition characterised by the inflammation of the eyelids. It typically affects the margins (edges) of both eyes, causing them to become red, swollen, irritated, and itchy.

While it can be uncomfortable and frustrating to manage, it is not contagious and rarely causes permanent damage to your eyesight.

Blepharitis Visualization

Blepharitis Visualization

The Two Main Types of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is generally categorized into two types, depending on where the inflammation occurs, though it is possible to experience both simultaneously:

Anterior Blepharitis: This occurs on the outside front edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection (Staphylococcus) or skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows).
Posterior Blepharitis: This affects the inner edge of the eyelid that makes contact with the eyeball. It is typically caused by dysfunction in the meibomian glands (the tiny oil glands situated in the eyelids), which can become clogged. Skin conditions like ocular rosacea are frequently linked to this type.

Dandruff like crusts can appear on your eyelashes. Blepharitis is a chronic condition, meaning that once it develops you will probably have repeated episodes. There is no cure however, there are a range of treatments that can control the symptoms.

The most important one is to establish a daily eye cleaning routine. Complications of Blepharitis include:

dry eye syndrome (where the eyes do not produce enough tears or dry out too quickly),
styes (a pus-filled swelling in or on the eyelid),
meibomian cysts (a meibomian cyst is a swelling that occurs in the eyelids. They can happen when one of your meibomian tear glands gets inflamed) and
conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye).

The condition is not normally serious. Serious complications such as sight loss are rare, especially when you follow the recommended advice.

Most people will experience repeated episodes of Blepharitis and then have long periods of time when they do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning and include:

Itchy, sore red eyelids.
Your eyelids stick together and you may have problems opening your eyes when you wake up.
Your eyelashes become crusty.
A burning, gritty sensation in the eyes.
Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Abnormal eyelash growth and
Loss of eyelashes.

Developing a regular routine of eye hygiene is essential in the treatment of Blepharitis. It is important that you clean your eyelids every day, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms.

You should consider it part of your daily routine, like showering or brushing your teeth. Effective eye hygiene will reduce both the severity and frequency of symptoms.

You should apply a warm compress (a heated mask or cloths/cotton wool warmed with hot water) to your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. If you use a heated cloth this must be kept consistently warm to work so heat again when it goes cold.
Gently massage the skin of the eyelid (by the lid margins) towards the eyelashes, where the Meibomian glands open up. This helps to unblock the glands and express the oils. Move along the length of the eyelids with comfortable pressure. This will also help loosen any crusting.
Then gently clean your eyelids/lashes. This is important to reduce the bacterial load and food source for bacteria on the lid margins. Various products are available, your ophthalmologist will advise a product that is suitable. Clean the margin of lids and the base of the lashes. Clean both upper and lower lids.

At the beginning of treatment or if your symptoms are particularly severe, you may need to carry out this routine several times a day. Once symptoms are under control, it should only be necessary to clean your eyes once a day.

You should avoid wearing eye make up especially eyeliner. If you feel that you absolutely have to use eye make up and eyeliner, make sure that it washes off easily.

If your Blepharitis does not respond to regular cleaning, a short course of antibiotic ointments or drops may be recommended.

In some circumstances, you may be given antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics) at the beginning of your treatment. For example, when it is clear that a skin condition, such as rosacea is aggravating your Blepharitis. Oral antibiotics may also be recommended if you do not respond to other forms of treatment.

Most people respond well after 2-4 weeks, although you will probably be required to take them for at least six weeks. It is important to finish the course even if your symptoms get better.

Blephex improves the overall health of the eyelid and reduces many of the common symptoms associated with Blepharitis, including removing bacterial sruff and crusted debris.

>Read More about Blephex here