Blepharitis
Condition, Symptoms & Causes
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the oil glands present in your eyelids, and it's a common condition that is usually easily treated. If left untreated though, it might lead to more serious complications like cysts or conjunctivitis.
Usually the GP or your Optometrist/Ophthalmologist would be able to diagnose it by using a magnifying device to look at the edges of your eyelids and how the glands look like, by checking if the eyes are producing enough tears & by checking the texture and how healthy is the skin surrounding your eyes.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually include:
- Sore Eyelids;
- Dry eyes;
- Itchy Eyes;
- Gritty feeling;
- Red eyes;
- Watery eyes;
- Blurry vision;
- Sensitivity to bright lights;
- Red and/or swollen eyelids;
- Presence of flakes/crusts around the roots of your eyelashes;
- Sticky eyelashes - specially in the morning when you wake up.
Causes:
- Skin conditions (like seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or eczema);
- Excess of bacteria;
- Hormone problems/hormonal imbalance;
- Blocked eyelid oil glands;
- Allergies;
- Viral infections;
- Mites (insect-like organisms, which can cause irritation to humans).
Treatment:
- Artificial tears for red, itchy, gritty or dry eyes;
- Special wipes to clean the eyelids;
- Warm flannels to soften and clean the crust as well as to help with the swollen eyelids;
- Medication in some cases.
Prevention:
Unfortunately there is cure for Blepharitis, but you will be able to manage and treat it easily. If you follow a daily hygiene routine that should be enough to control the symptoms. That routine should include:
- Removing all make-up before bed;
- Making sure to clean your eyelids everyday before you go to bed, even if you don't wear any makeup;
- Be careful when applying any night moisturizers or gels, do not apply it close to your eyelids;
- Using specific eyelid wipes that you can get from your local Optician to regularly clean your eyelids properly.
Complications:
That are some complications that may occur in some cases like loss of eyelashes, clogged glands that might lead to a stye or a chalazion & scarring on your eyelids. When that happens you should let your GP or your Optometrist/Ophthalmologist know as soon as possible.
In case you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if you suffer from Blepharitis, please do not wear any contact lenses (while you have symptoms) and don't use any make-up, specially eyeliner! If you have any symptoms of Blepharitis, please make sure to book a Minor Eye Condition Service with your local Optician... you can even do it with us if your GP is in the area! So if you have any queries regarding this condition or if you want to book an appointment, please contact us. You will be more than happy to arrange a time for you.
Keep in Mind:
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