What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common, chronic inflammatory condition that affects the margins (rims) of your eyelids. It can be linked to certain skin conditions like dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), rosacea (facial redness), and eczema (itchy dermatitis).
Two Main Types:
- Anterior Blepharitis: This is characterised by tiny crusts at the root of the eyelashes which can cause a chronic low grade inflammation. Bacteria on the lid margin can release chemicals which can irritate the surface of the eye.
- Posterior Blepharitis (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction): Meibomian glands in the eyelids secrete an oily film onto the tears to reduce evaporation, and the gland openings sit on the eyelid margin just behind the root of the eyelashes. Inflammation and blockage of the gland openings is known as posterior blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. This condition results in a less stable tear film and a dry eye.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Regardless of the cause or type of blepharitis, several potential symptoms may arise:
- Red and inflamed eyelid margins
- Loss of eyelashes
- Sticky eyelids, particularly upon awakening
- Gritty, itchy, or burning sensation in the eyes
- Reflex tearing (excessive tearing)
- Meibomian gland cysts (also known as chalazia)
Contact our clinic today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal eye health.
Management
The main treatment for blepharitis from any cause is eyelid hygiene to clean the lid margins. This removes flakes and crusts, reduces the bacterial load and improves the function of the oily meibomian glands.
Lid hygiene involves 3 steps:
- Warm compress, usually with a microwave eyebag , to soften crusts and liquefy the oily meibomian gland secretions.
- Massage to express the oily meibomian glands and improve the stability of the tear film. The upper lids are massaged downwards and the lower lids upwards.
- Cleaning with cotton buds or purpose designed lid wipes to removes flakes / crusts and helps unplug the meibomian gland openings.
Artificial tear drops can improve comfort and occasionally topical antibiotic ointments are useful in reducing bacterial load. Steroid ointments can also often very helpful at treating inflammation in moderate to severe cases.
Contact Us
We’re here to answer your questions and help you achieve optimal eye health.
Get In Touch
- Phone : 01903495532
- Location : 1 Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2DN
- Email : contact@eyedoctorclinic.co.uk
Opening Hours
- Monday - Saturday 10 am -6 pm