Self-care measures, such as washing your eyes and using warm compresses, might be all that's needed for most cases of blepharitis. If self-care measures aren't enough, your doctor might suggest prescription treatments, including: Medications that fight infection.
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.
Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.
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.
Other dermatological manifestations of vitamin A deficiency include blepharitis [16], noted in our first patient, and cheilitis.
Although the etiology of blepharitis is multitudinal, individuals who are predisposed can be triggered by certain factors such as stress. Stress behaviors are important to recognize; one may have difficulty concentrating, revert to bad habits, and fall into unhealthy eating habits.
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.
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.
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.
BlephEx® is a new, in-office procedure that allows your doctor to take an active role in treating dry eye and blepharitis. BlephEx® removes excess bacteria, biofilm and bacterial toxins, the main causes of inflammatory dry eye and lid disease.
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 is controlled by cleaning the eyelids twice a day and may also require drops and/or ointment.
Stage 1: Early biofilm formation with swelling of the lash follicles, lash misdirection. Stage 2: Inflammation of meibomian glands with plugging. Stage 3: Lacrimal involvement leads to aqueous insufficiency with little to no tear lake. Stage 4: Chronic inflammation leads to a breakdown in the structural .
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.
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.
Mix warm water and a small amount of non-irritating (baby) shampoo or a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by a doctor of optometry. Using a clean cloth (a different one for each eye), rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and the edge of the closed eyelid. Rinse with clear water.
If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction, schedule an exam with an eye doctor as soon as possible to obtain a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
In conclusion, blepharitis is not an autoimmune disease.
It is associated with autoimmune diseases, and some autoimmune diseases do affect the eyes, mimicking the symptoms of blepharitis, but it is not itself autoimmune in nature.
Beyond causing patient discomfort, the presence of blepharitis can affect the outcomes of cataract and refractive surgery. And, as the prevalence of blepharitis increases with age, clinicians can expect to see a growing number of cases in the coming years.
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.
Viral blepharitis
When blepharitis is caused by a virus, it's often herpes simplex or varicella zoster that's at fault, although molluscum contagiosum can also cause blepharitis. These viruses can cause blistering on the eyelids, and are treated with antiviral medication.
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.