How is Blepharitis treated?
Blepharitis is a common eyelid disorder in which the eyelids become inflamed. It can cause itchy, red or dry eyelids, and is often a long-term condition that needs daily attention. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving discomfort and preventing complications such as styes or damage to the eyes.
Blepharitis can usually be managed well, most often with a consistent eyelid cleaning routine. When this is not enough, medicines may be added. Because symptoms can come and go, treatment is usually an ongoing routine rather than a one-time fix.
What Causes Blepharitis
Blepharitis has several possible causes, and more than one may be involved at the same time. Common causes include the following.
- Dandruff: Flaking skin on the scalp and eyebrows can spread to the eyelids and the base of the lashes.
- Infection: Bacteria that normally live on the skin can multiply along the lash line and inflame the eyelid margins.>
- Allergic reaction: Eye makeup and other products that come into contact with the eyelids can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
- Blocked oil glands: The eyelids contain small oil glands. When these become blocked, the eyelids can become irritated and the eyes may feel dry.
- Underlying skin conditions: Blepharitis is often linked to skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Step One: Eyelid Hygiene
The first step in managing blepharitis is good eyelid hygiene. Regular cleaning loosens crusts and oils, removes debris and reduces bacterial build-up along the lash line. Consistency with this daily routine is often the most effective way to keep blepharitis under control.
Your Daily Eyelid Care Routine
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Apply a clean, warm compress over closed eyelids for a few minutes to loosen crusts and oils.
- Gently clean along the edge of the eyelids and the base of the lashes, using diluted baby shampoo or a special lid-cleaning wipe.
- Rinse with clean water and pat the eyelids dry.
- Repeat daily, even when your symptoms improve, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Step Two: Medicines
If eyelid hygiene alone is not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicines. These are chosen according to the cause and severity of your blepharitis.
- Antibiotic Ointments or Drops: Reduce the bacteria along the eyelid margins.
- Oral Antibiotics: Treat bacterial involvement from within the body.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: Steroid eye drops or ointments help calm inflammation of the eyelids.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Ease dryness and the gritty feeling in the eyes.
- Treating an Underlying Skin Condition: Treating conditions such as rosacea or seborrhoeic dermatitis can help improve eyelid symptoms.
Living with Blepharitis
For many people, blepharitis is a chronic condition that may flare up from time to time. The following habits can help keep it under control.
- Keep up your routine: Continue daily eyelid care even when your eyelids feel better, as symptoms can return if cleaning stops.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing can irritate the eyelids further and spread bacteria.
- Take care with eye makeup: Remove makeup thoroughly each night, replace products regularly and consider avoiding eye makeup during a flare-up.
- Practise good contact lens hygiene: If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye care professional’s advice, and ask whether you should switch to glasses during a flare-up.
- Attend follow-up visits: Regular reviews allow your treatment to be adjusted if your symptoms change.
