Blepharitis is chronic inflammation, swelling, of the eyelids and eyelash follicles. It may be caused by bacterial, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff in in the scalp or eyebrows, or acne rosacea are all conditions often associated with blepharitis. If you have these conditions, you are more at risk of developing blepharitis. Blepharitis is not curable, but also not contagious, but there are treatments used to manage the symptoms.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction refers to inflammation of the eyelids and is by far the most common cause of dry eyes. Each eyelid contains a row of meibomian glands. Their job is to secrete the very important oil layer of the tears. The oil layer protects the water in tears from evaporating. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), vision is affected because there is too much or too little oil in the tear film. This creates an imbalanced and unhealthy tear film that is ineffective in moisturising the eyes and leads to dryness, blurred vision, redness and pain.
Signs & Symptoms
Common findings in people with Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction include:
- Itchy, burning and/or red eyes
- Tear Frequently
- Redness and crusting of the lid margins
- Foamy tears
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Frequent styes
- Thickened eyelid margins
- Eyelashes that fall out or become misdirected
Treatments for Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Warm Compresses: (usually 2-3 times per day)
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Place a clean, warm washcloth (NOT boiling hot!) on affected eye(s) for 5-10 minutes
- Re-warm the washcloth when it gets cold (may need to keep rewetting under running faucet).
- May use one washcloth on each eye to save time.
Lid Scrubs:
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Use either warm water alone or warm water 2-3 drops of baby shampoo
- Take a clean cloth (different for each eye) and rub the water/ solution back and forth gently across the eyelashes and eyelid margins.
- Rinse with clean water.
Eye Drops May be prescribed.
Medicated Ointment: After the hot compress and lid scrub, you may use any medicated ointment prescribed Blurred vision may occur when applying ointments.
Oral Antibiotics: Only prescribed in severe cases of blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
