Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include the eyelids appearing red and swollen, or feeling like they are burning or sore. You can sometimes see flakes or oily particles (crusts) wrapped at the base of your eyelashes too. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff, or rosacea.
Causes
Everyone has some bacteria on their skin. Some people, however, have more bacteria at the base of their eyelashes than other people. This can cause dandruff-like flakes to form. Also, some people have changes in the oil glands in their eyelids, leading to blepharitis. Other times, blepharitis may result from an over-population of microscopic mites, known as Demodex, living inside the eyelash follicles.
Treatment
There is not a cure for blepharitis, but there are a number of things you can do to help control the symptoms. Treatments include:
- Warm compresses
Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging.
- Eyelid scrubs
Soak a clean washcloth, cotton swab (Q-tip) applicator, or lint-free pad in baby shampoo diluted in warm water. Then use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes. Scrub for about 15 seconds.
- Antibiotics
Your ophthalmologist may have you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or a cotton swab (Q-tip). Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Do this just before bedtime, or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might also prescribe an antibiotic medicine for you to take by mouth.
- Eye drops
Artificial tears or sometimes a steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling and dry eye.
Skin and eyelid hygiene
It is very important to keep your eyelids, skin and hair clean. This keeps your blepharitis symptoms under control. Carefully wash your eyelashes every day with baby shampoo diluted in warm water.
For your convenience, Professional Eye Associates, has moist heat masks and eyelid cleanser available for purchase at our office locations, to help in the treatment of Blepharitis.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis