There are many possible causes of blepharitis. Effective treatment depends on treating the underlying cause. If the cause is due to an allergy, by eliminating exposure to the allergen and using antihistamine eye drops the symptoms may resolve.
What's the treatment for blepharitis? The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean and free of crusts. Use water and a gentle cleanser (like baby shampoo) to clean your eyelids and remove crusts every day.
You can't cure blepharitis. However, it can be treated and controlled through proper eyelid hygiene. Left untreated, blepharitis may lead to other more serious eye conditions, including corneal problems, which may be significant.
Some common over-the-counter brands of lubricating ointments include Lacrilube, Refresh PM, and Genteal Gel. In addition: The symptoms of blepharitis can be reduced by taking an oral supplement of omega-3 fatty acid (such as TheraTears Nutrition).
Blepharitis tends to be worse in cold windy weather, air-conditioned environments, prolonged computer usage, sleep deprivation, contact lens wear, and with general dehydration. It also tends to be worse in the presence of active skin disease e.g. acne rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis.
These include processed or fried foods, sugar, white flour and fizzy drinks tends to aggravate the condition. I have also found that a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and high intake of natural Omega-3 containing foods helps reduce flare-ups.
Blepharitis rarely disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, the condition frequently is chronic and requires daily attention with eyelid scrubs. If you don't respond to treatment, or if you've also lost eyelashes or only one eye is affected, the condition could be caused by a localized eyelid cancer.
If you're treating the symptoms of blepharitis, the outlook is normally good. By carefully cleaning your eyelids every day and using eye drops, a flare-up might only last a few days! If it lasts a little longer, don't worry this is normal too.
Blepharitis can be part of the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis or a highly reactive form of acne known as rosacea. A combination of blepharitis and dry mouth may indicate an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome.
It may take up to six weeks for the symptoms of blepharitis to improve once the eyelid cleaning regime has begun, so perseverance is essential. Eyelid cleaning should be performed twice a day, morning and evening, until the symptoms have settled.
Blepharitis is caused by multiple issues and can be either chronic (symptoms on and off for months to years) or acute (sudden symptoms within the past week).
Some doctors also recommend Vaseline for specific dry eye conditions. It may help with blepharitis, which causes dry and irritated eyelids, as well as dysfunction in the meibomian glands that lubricate the eyes. Petroleum jelly from Vaseline can also help keep wounds moist. This may help prevent scarring.
LipiFlow is the “gold standard” for treating meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, ocular rosacea and dry eye. This is because LipiFlow is the most effective way to unclog and evacuate your meibomian glands.
Other dermatological manifestations of vitamin A deficiency include blepharitis [16], noted in our first patient, and cheilitis.
Exposure to sunlight, drinking excess alcohol, or caffeinated beverages, eating a lot of greasy foods can all be factors in making this condition worse. These factors should be limited or completely avoided.
Inflammation from blepharitis can cause ongoing pain and soreness by irritating very sensitive corneal nerves. This can be exacerbated by anxiety and stress and depression and when the eyes become a psychological focus of attention.
The recommended regime is four times a day for two weeks, then twice a day for a month, and twice a week after that. If you are using a simple hot compress with a face flannel then warm saltwater soaks are preferred as this is more isotonic and thus more comfortable and less likely to wrinkle the eyelid skin.
Most patients find that the symptoms of blepharitis are considerably worse after sleep, as the eyelids are closed for an extended period which allows oil and debris time to accumulate along the edge of the eyelids.
Blepharitis is controlled by cleaning the eyelids twice a day and may also require drops and/or ointment.
Blepharitis usually affects both eyes at the same time. It can sometimes happen that only one eye is affected, but it's uncommon. Although most cases of blepharitis are mild, left untreated the condition can lead to secondary problems, and it is these that can sometimes affect one eye more than the other.