BLEPHARITIS - WHAT IS IT?

brought to you by Eye2Eye:

Almost everyone sooner or later experiences a bout with blepharitis. Some people have to deal with this condition repeatedly and continually.

Blepharitis means 'inflamation of the eyelid'. This condition is associated with the following symptoms:

• Itchy eyelid skin, especially near the eyelashes (the rim of the lid, called lid margin).
• Redness
• Dry or oily flaky areas

If this sounds a lot like acne,seborrhea and dandruff, that's because it is!

Blepharitis is caused primarily by the seborrhea, a mechanical disruptionin the process that allows the eyelid to be properly lubricated and moisturised. A clogged oil gland in the eyelid or a contact allergy (eye make-up, insect bite, something on the fingers that touched the eyelid,etc.) are all culprits. Sometimes, blepharitis may be the result of a systemic immune system reaction. As the thin skin of the eyelid breaks down and causes flakes, the debris falls into the tears, sticks on the lid margin or eyelashes and causes an irritationan inflammatory reaction which further disrupts the lubrication system which causes more flaking and the cycle continues, until you intervene. Treatment consists primarily of attending to eyelid hygiene. This means washing the eyelids a few times each day with a cleanser (baby shampoo on a washcloth or cotton swab)to remove flakes and scales, applying warm compresses to assist healing, (unclogging the oil glands) and providing drops, ointment or lotion to help maintain lubrication and skin pliability. If sebhorrhea is the cause, careful attention to controlling the scalp condition is required. Treatment must continue until all symptoms resolve and remain clear for at least one week.Sometimes, if a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotic ointment, especially at bed time, is recommended.

Examination by an optometrist is necessary to confirm the proper diagnosis and treatment for this condition. Then, it's up to you to stay with the treatment plan and keep your eyelids healthy!