Blepharitis

Fact Checked

Blepharitis is an inflammation that develops on the margins of the eyelid when bacteria normally found in the lid cause the lash follicles to become swollen, crusty and reddened. Blepharitis does not cause dangerous complications but the irritation that becomes chronic requires proper care in order to prevent conjunctivitis or loss of eyelashes.

There are two types of blepharitis that you should be familiar with – seborrheic which is a type of blepharitis that produces oily or waxy scales that can be easily removed and the staphylococcal-type which produces dry scales and hard to remove. Small children are more prone to blepharitis which can be caused by allergy, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff.

Symptoms of blepharitis

• Crusted eyelashes when waking up in the morning
• Watery and red eyes
• Flaking of the skin found around the eyes
• Itchy, red and swelling eyelids
• Eyelashes that grows abnormally
• Loss of eyelashes
• Greasy eyelids
• A gritty, stinging or burning sensation can be felt in the eyes
• Itchy eyelids
• Sensitivity to light and frequently blinking
• Eyelid sticking

Causes

• Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands found in the eyelids
• Seborrheic dermatitis which is also known as dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
• A bacterial infection
• Mites or lice of the eyelash
• Allergic reactions to eye medications, contact lens solutions and eye makeup

Treatment and home remedies

• Apply a warm compress over the closed eye for a few minutes in order to loosen the crusty accumulations on the eyelids.
• Massage the lid at least twice a day after applying the warm compress. Hold the lid tight at the outer corner and then rub from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use gentle pressure in order to remove plugs that causes blockage of the glands.
• Utilize a moistened washcloth with warm water and a few drops of diluted baby shampoo in order to wash away oily debris or scales that are accumulating on the eyelashes. Use a different clean cloth for every eye.
• Gently pull the eyelid away from the eye and use a washcloth and rub gently the base of the lashes. This helps in avoiding any damage to the cornea when using the washcloth.
• You have to rinse the eyelid using warm water and pat it dry with a clean and dry towel. Avoid using eye makeup if there is eyelid inflammation and there is a risk that bacteria can enter the eyelids and cause allergic reactions.
• Lubricate the eyes by using over-the-counter artificial tears since these will help relieve dry eyes.
• The individual should take flaxseed oil capsule since this supplement helps in normalizing the lid secretions.
• Take over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops such as castor oil emulsion if the individual is suffering from dry eyes with blepharitis.

FACT CHECK

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blepharitis/

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/blepharitis.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370141