What Causes Blepharitis, And How Can It Be Treated?

Blepharitis

What Is It And How Can It Be Treated

Blepharitis is an inflamation of your eyelids. It can be uncomfortable, but rarely causes serious eye damage.

WHY DO I GET BLEPHARITIS?

There are two types of blepharitis. Anterior, which affects the outside front edge of your eyelids. Posterior, which is caused when something affects the inside rim of your eyelids.

WHO IS AT RISK OF BLEPHARITIS?

Blepharitis is more common in people over 50, but it can develop at any age. As you get older, the glands in your eyelids that secrete part of your tears become blocked more easily.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BLEPHARITIS?

An Optometrist or Eye Specialist can spot the signs of blepharitis by looking closley at your eyelids. A doctor may decide to take a swab which can be sent away to be checked for bacterial infection.

HOW DOES BLEPHARITIS IMPACT YOUR EYES

This short video explains what blepharitis is and how it can impact your eye health.

WARM COMPRESS

Warm compresses work by warming the material that blocks the glands and loosening the crusts on the eyelid. This makes them easier to remove. You can use a flannel, cotton-wool ball or something similar as a warm compress.

LID CLEANING

You can buy special lid wipes or solution. We can advise you on this. Or you can fill an egg cup with boiling water and leave it to cool, then add 1 part baby shampoo to 10 parts water, or a quarter table spoon of bicarbonate of soda.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Use a lid cleaning wipe or a cotton-wool bud dampened in the solution you have made (squeeze it out first) to gently clean the edges of your eyelids near your lashes. Wipe from the inside (near your nose) to the outside corner of your eye.

Antibiotics

If these treatments do not work, your doctor or prescribing optometrist may prescribe you antibiotic ointment or tablets.