Blepharitis is referred to as a chronic infection of the eyelids. It is a general disorder of the eye and one of the main reasons for tearing, redness and discomfort in the eye. The lash follicles present at the eyelid margins, gets infected due to excess growth of bacteria in lash follicles.
Blepharitis occurs in three forms:
- staphylococcal
- seborrheic and
- MGD
All three forms of blepharitis are chronic in nature.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
The common symptoms of blepharitis are:
- Light sensitivity
- Burning eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eyes become red, dry and swollen
- Feeling of some foreign particle present in the eye.
- Crusting of the eyelashes.
Causes of Blepharitis:
- Most cases of blepharitis are caused due to the malfunctioning of oil glands of the eye lids. About 40 glands are present in the upper lids and the lower lids respectively. When these oil glands produce wrong types of oils, too little oil or excess oil, the margins of the eyelid get itchy and infected.
- Allergies are another cause of blepharitis. For example: a person allergic to mascara or contact lens can get affected with this infection.
- At times, Acne, can also be the cause of blepharitis.
Treatment of Blepharitis:
Blepharitis is a chronic condition which has no permanent cure but can be treated. The best treatment for this infection is to maintain proper hygienic conditions of the eyelid.
Apart from hygiene, antibiotics and other medication are also prescribed to control this infection.
Keep your eyes clean. Below are few steps you could follow to cleanse your eyes.
- With clean hands, dip a washcloth in warm water.
- Keep one eye closed and gently rub the base of the eyelash. Do this for a minute.
- You can use a mild soap or baby shampoo.
- Finally rinse the entire eye with cool water.
- Repeat the same for the other eye too.
Avoid using eye make-up while you are treating blepharitis as make up could cause further damage.
