Blepharitis
Last reviewed by Dr.Mary on August 7th, 2018.
What is Blepharitis?
This is an inflammation that involves the eyelids. It normally encompasses the area of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow.
Blepharitis follows the breakdown of the very small oil glands situated near the base of the eyelashes.
Blepharitis is usually a condition that is chronic due to the difficulty in treatment. It can be very uncomfortable and look unpleasant nevertheless it normally will not create any perpetual type harm to the vision.
Blepharitis Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of blepharitis consist of:
- Eyes are watery
- Eyes are red
- Sensations in the eye of grittiness and burning
- Eyelids look greasy
- Itchy eyelids
- Swollen, red eyelids
- Skin around the eyes is flaking
- On awakening crusted eyelashes
- Light sensitivity
- Eyelashes that abnormally grow or misdirected
- Eyelash loss
If an individual exhibits any of these symptoms and signs and they did not get better in spite of good hygiene, care of the area, regularly cleaning of area, then it is important to visit your primary care physician.
Blepharitis Causes
Blepharitis happens when the minuscule oil glands adjoining the base of the eyelashes stops functioning normally. It is usually a condition that is chronic requiring care that is long-term.
Conditions or diseases that may cause blepharitis consist of:
- Bacterial infections
- Dandruff affecting the eyebrows or scalp – known as seborrheic dermatitis
- Rosacea is a condition of the skin categorized by redness in the face
- Oil glands in the eyelids that malfunction
- Eyelash mites
- Allergies such as reactions to eye drugs, contact lens solutions or makeup for the eye
Blepharitis can also be triggered by a grouping of factors.
If an individual has blepharitis, they can experience:
- Problems with eyelash – Cause eyelashes to grow abnormally or fall out
- Skin problems on eyelid – Scarring can happen on the eyelids because of chronic blepharitis
- Stye – This is a contagion which commonly starts adjacent to the base of the eyelashes. It is a lump that is painful located inside of or on the brink of the eyelid. Styes are normally most noticeable on the eyelid surface
- Chalazion – These develop when there is any blockage in any of the tiny oil glands at the edge of the eyelid, behind the eyelashes. These glands may get septic with bacteria, and this causes a swollen, red eyelid. A chalazion is inclined to be more noticeable on the inside of the eyelid.
- Chronic pink eye – blepharitis often leads to recurrent incidents of pink eye or conjunctivitis
- Dry or excess tearing eye – Atypical secretions that are oily as well as other debris that falls from the eyelid, for instance flaking related to dandruff, may amass in the tear film – the oil, mucus, water solution that creates tears. A tear film which is abnormal impedes the normal lubrication of a healthy eyelids. This causes irritation to the eyes and causes excessive tearing or dry eyes.
- Corneal injury – Any continuous irritation from eyelashes which are misdirected or inflamed can cause an ulcer or sore to form on the cornea. Tearing which is insufficient can predispose an individual to corneal infections.
While an individual is waiting to see their physician, some relief from the irritation of the eye can be relieved by washing the eyes gently several times each day. Eye washes consist of:
- Closing the eyes for five minutes while applying a warm washcloth over them
- Rub gently the closed eyelids with a diluted solution of baby shampoo. Use a washcloth which is clean or clean fingers.
- Thoroughly rinse the eyes with warm water
Do not use anything that might irritate the eyes for instance contact lenses and eye makeup.
Blepharitis Treatment
Blepharitis can be treated by:
Regularly cleaning the area that is affected
Symptoms and signs of blepharitis can be treated by cleaning the eyelids with a washcloth that is warm.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic eyedrops can be applied to the eyelids and help to control any infection by bacteria. In some cases, antibiotics can also be available in ointment, cream or oral pill form.
Steroid ointments or eyedrops
Any product with steroids can help with controlling the inflammation in the eye or the eyelids.
Artificial tears
Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can aid in relieving dry eyes
Treatment of underlying diseases
When blepharitis is caused by rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or other underlying diseases, it can be controlled by first treating the disease.
Blepharitis Cure
Blepharitis will very rarely completely disappear – it is more likely to be a chronic problem. Even when treatment is successful, relapses are normal.
Blepharitis Pictures
Severe Blepharitis
I had been on an internet search for info on holistic allergy eye drops that my daughter had told me about. She uses them for my 8 yr. old grandson for itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and said it works great for him. The brand is called SIMILASAN. They have an Allergy Eye Relief, and a Pink Eye formula, and also, a dry eye formula, I believe.
Upon my finding info about Similasan, I read the reviews, some people it didn’t work for and some people it worked perfectly for. But the main thing I want to mention here, is that there was one review from a woman who said that she had been to many doctors and they prescribed lots of other remedies that didn’t work. She had finally found out that she had Blepharitis ! Which she says is predominately found in Irish/German heritage. Being both Irish and German, myself, I continued reading her review. She stated that the Similasan worked wonderfully for her and there was no burning, stinging, or irritation. I think she said she used the ‘Allergy Eye Relief’, although they do have a Pink Eye formula and a dry eye formula, too, that you can buy. She was very surprised since the medications prescribed by her doctors never helped.
So I wanted to pass this on as possibly an alternative remedy for this eye condition, Blepharitis. I don’t have it, myself, but I do have severe allergies and I am going to look for the Allergy Eye Relief today which is what my daughter gives my grandson. She said it can be found in CVS, Target and probably health food stores. It’s 100% natural ingredients.
One more thing I want to add…..the Expriation date on the package is only for UNOPENED bottles. Once you open the bottle, it stays good for only 30 days, so you have to also mark on the box the date you opened it, so you will know that 30 days from that date you will have to buy a new one and keep it until you need to open it. The Expiration date on the outside of the box is just for UNOPENED bottles. I imagine because they don’t have a lot of preservatives in it and after 30 days it may be rendered less effective.