Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, close to where the eyelashes grow. It is characterized by plugging of the oil glands of the eyelids, debris around the base of the eyelashes, or both.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
The symptoms of blepharitis may vary. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Blepharitis may cause:
- Pain or stinging
- Crusting or mattering, especially upon awakening
- Mild drainage
- Redness
- Itching
- Fluctuation in vision
- Sensation of stickiness or dryness
- Styes
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
Only your eye doctor can diagnose blepharitis. Blepharitis is diagnosed by examination of the eyelid margins and surface of the eye with the
slit lamp.
Is blepharitis serious?
The symptoms of blepharitis may be very bothersome. However, blepharitis does not cause permanent damage to the eyes or to the vision. Blepharitis may be associated with rosacea, a skin disorder.
How is blepharitis treated?
Part of the treatment for blepharitis includes a regimen of lid hygiene, including hot compresses to the eyelids and cleansing of the eyelid margins with baby shampoo or special cleansers.
It may take several weeks of these treatments to see improvement in symptoms.
In addition, your doctor may recommend the use of artificial tears, prescription ointment or drops, or oral medication to help treat blepharitis.
Many people with blepharitis also have dry eye, a condition where the tear glands do not make enough tears. When this is the case, treatments aimed at both blepharitis and dry eye may be needed to improve symptoms.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
The symptoms of blepharitis may vary. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Blepharitis may cause:
- Pain or stinging
- Crusting or mattering, especially upon awakening
- Mild drainage
- Redness
- Itching
- Fluctuation in vision
- Sensation of stickiness or dryness
- Styes
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
Only your eye doctor can diagnose blepharitis. Blepharitis is diagnosed by examination of the eyelid margins and surface of the eye with the
slit lamp.
Is blepharitis serious?
The symptoms of blepharitis may be very bothersome. However, blepharitis does not cause permanent damage to the eyes or to the vision. Blepharitis may be associated with rosacea, a skin disorder.
How is blepharitis treated?
Part of the treatment for blepharitis includes a regimen of lid hygiene, including hot compresses to the eyelids and cleansing of the eyelid margins with baby shampoo or special cleansers.
It may take several weeks of these treatments to see improvement in symptoms.
In addition, your doctor may recommend the use of artificial tears, prescription ointment or drops, or oral medication to help treat blepharitis.
Many people with blepharitis also have dry eye, a condition where the tear glands do not make enough tears. When this is the case, treatments aimed at both blepharitis and dry eye may be needed to improve symptoms.
