Eyelid inflammation and redness, or blepharitis, is a very common condition, impacting patients worldwide. Unfortunately, the condition is frequently chronic and may require ongoing management to keep symptoms under control. In addition to discomfort, blepharitis can cause unsightly crusty and flaky eyelids, leading most people to feel embarrassed about their appearance! Understanding the underlying causes and the treatment options available can help patients relieve symptoms and protect the overall health of their eyes.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is the inflammation or infection of the eyelids, leading to swelling, redness, irritation, and crusty, greasy, or flaky skin patches. It is an ongoing condition that requires management by an eye care professional. Thankfully, blepharitis will not lead to blindness or cause permanent damage to your vision, however it does cause significant eyelid inflammation, irritation, and can appear unsightly.
There are two types of blepharitis:
- Anterior blepharitis: This version of blepharitis impacts the outer edge of the eyelid. More often this type is caused by allergens, bacteria, or dandruff.
- Posterior blepharitis: This type occurs where the meibomian glands are located on the inner edge of the eyelid. More often this type is found in people with seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.
Anterior vs Posterior Blepharitis
The two types of blepharitis tend to have different causes and may be treated differently depending on the specific cause. Posterior blepharitis is the more common of the two because of the high frequency at which the inner oil glands can become blocked or allow bacteria to grow. The oil secreted by these small glands is intended to prevent tear evaporation and keep the eyes moist. However, when they become blocked or inflamed, the result is red, itchy eyes and irritated eyelids.
Anterior blepharitis comes in three main types:
- Seborrheic blepharitis: Most commonly caused by dandruff, this version produces scales that buildup on the eyelids, leading to flaky, red skin that itches.
- Ulcerative: Usually develops during childhood, this version of blepharitis is caused by bacteria. Most patients experience crusts that form around the eyelashes and leave ulcers or small sores when removed.
- Demodex: Caused by a mite, demodex results in dandruff-like flakes around the base of the eyelashes. It is very common and underdiagnosed.
Blepharitis Symptoms
There are many ways to develop blepharitis, including poor eye hygiene, allergies, and even acne, but the symptoms will remain mostly the same no matter the type and include:
- Swollen eyelids that appear greasy, red, scaly, or crusty
- Irritated, itchy eyes that may burn
- Dry eyes which may be caused by blocked oil glands, but can also lead to infection
- Flaky skin on or near the eyelids
- Crusty, sticky eyelids
- Frequently loosing more eyelashes than normal
Overall, if you suspect you are suffering from blepharitis, contact OCLI Vision today to schedule an appointment. You do not have to suffer through red, swollen, and itchy eyelids that are impacting your life.
Is Blepharitis Contagious?
The good news is that blepharitis is not contagious! However, it is a common chronic condition, affecting about 15%-25% of people. Overall, it affects both men and women, but one type, staphylococcal blepharitis, affects many more women than men. Some kinds are preventable with proper eye hygiene, such as washing off makeup, washing pillows and sheets regularly, and getting treatment for skin conditions like dandruff and acne.
How Long Does Blepharitis Last?
How long blepharitis lasts depends on the type of blepharitis the person has and the treatment prescribed. For patients that have acute, easily treatable blepharitis and follow the proper treatment protocols, the condition may go away within one to two weeks. For more chronic conditions, patients may be suffering from the condition for weeks, months, or even years. However, with help from an eye care doctor, the condition can be managed and symptoms reduced.
How to Treat Blepharitis
The first step in treating blepharitis is to see an eye care doctor to rule out other conditions or problems and get the correct medication. An eye care professional may apply some of the following treatments:
- Medicated eye drops or an eye cream: Usually prescribed in the form of an antibiotic, such as polysporin ointment, these creams or drops are used to fight infections on the eyelids and reduce irritation. It is important to follow the medication instructions exactly to ensure the condition is fully treated. An oral antibiotic can also be prescribed in more severe cases.
- Anti-inflammatory drops or creams: Similar to antibiotic treatment, anti-inflammatory creams and drops are used to reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from returning.
- Immunomodulators: Depending on how chronic your condition is, immunomodulators can be used to inhibit the body’s immune response, thus limiting inflammation and extra skin growth.
- Treating the related skin conditions: In a lot of cases, blepharitis is caused by other skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, allergies, and rosacea. If these conditions are not treated, the blepharitis may continue to return. Your eye doctor may recommend also meeting with your primary care provider or a dermatologist to properly treat the entire face, not just the eyelids.
How to Treat Blepharitis at Home
In some cases, patients will want immediate relief at home, and there are many things you can do to lessen the symptoms with blepharitis self-care. However, to fully and effectively treat the condition, it is important to see an eye care doctor. To find relief from blepharitis symptoms, you can try the following at-home treatments:
- Apply a cool compress to the eyelids with eyes closed in 10-minute sessions throughout the day to alleviate eyelid inflammation and loosen any crusts without damaging the skin.
- Use artificial tears to hydrate dry eyes and relieve itching and burning sensations.
- Avoid wearing makeup while you have the condition.
- Eat more omega-3s and leafy greens as incorporating them may help improve the function of oil glands.
- Use an over-the-counter eyelid wash containing hypochlorous acid to reduce bacteria and clean the eyelids properly.
When to See a Specialist at OCLI Vision
If you are suffering from any of the unsightly and uncomfortable symptoms of blepharitis, it’s important to schedule an eye exam right away! Not doing so can result in the condition worsening or becoming chronic. If you notice any concerning symptoms such as pus, discharge, or severe pain, visit the nearest hospital right away to prevent serious problems.
Staying on top of regular eye exams can ensure that you catch eye conditions early and that you know where to turn when something unexpected happens. The team at OCLI Vision is ready to see you! Book online or give us a call to schedule your next visit.
