23 Jan What Is Blepharitis? Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
Blepharitis is a very common condition that results in inflammation of the eyelid margins. It’s usually caused by bacteria, oil, or skin conditions like dandruff. You may experience red, itchy, and swollen eyelids, which can even impact your vision. While blepharitis can be frustrating, the condition is easy to treat through daily eyelid hygiene and some over-the-counter remedies. To learn more about blepharitis, continue reading.
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common, usually mild condition that affects the eyelids, making them red, swollen and itchy. This irritation can be very annoying, frequently causing you to rub and touch your eyes even more. This condition is more common than you’d expect. Nearly half of all patients seen in optometry clinics are symptomatic for blepharitis.
Causes And Risk Factors
Knowing the causes and risk factors of blepharitis is important for preventing and treating this common eye condition. Blepharitis can be caused by a number of factors, most commonly bacterial infections and infestation. When there is a bacterial involvement, it tends to be staphylococcal blepharitis, a form that affects more women than men. This condition, caused by staphylococcal bacteria, results in inflammation and crusting along the margins of the eyelids.
Infestations by microscopic mites are another frequent culprit. Research indicates that nearly a third of patients with chronic blepharitis harbour mites in their eyelash follicles. Aside from infections and infestations, allergies to environmental irritants like pollen and dust may cause blepharitis. Allergic reactions to new medications, supplements, or household pets can lead to this condition as well.
Conditions such as rosacea and eczema can increase inflammation. At the same time, rheumatologic disorders can weaken the immune response, possibly exacerbating symptoms. Seasonal allergies play a huge role in that inflammation as well. The impact is only compounded during peak pollen and allergen seasons, when asthma triggers are at an annual high.
Symptoms And Health Risks
Blepharitis usually presents with a combination of irritating symptoms that can seriously impact your quality of life. Irritation is the first and most typical symptom you will experience. It can cause your eyes to feel irritated, like there’s sand stuck under your eyelids.
You may find that your eyes are watering more than they used to, called watery eyes or excessive tearing. This can be extremely disruptive. It creates a serious challenge for focusing on activities such as reading or using a computer. Dry eyes are another common symptom of blepharitis.
The margins of the eyelids can become excessively red and swollen. You may see scabs or scales developing at the outside edge of the eyelids. Blocked oil glands can form lumps on the rim of your eyelid. If these glands get blocked, they can form painful bumps called styes.
Treatment Options
- Home Care Strategies
Blepharitis is typically manageable at home with several easy-to-implement strategies. The most commonly recommended home remedy is warm, moist compresses. You don’t have to make it complicated – a washcloth with warm water works just fine. Apply the washcloth on closed eyelids for at least 10 minutes to effectively loosen crusts and restore oil gland function.
Eyelid wipes are another gentle and effective way to manage blepharitis by keeping the eyelids clean and free from debris. These pre-moistened wipes help remove bacteria, oil buildup, and flaky skin, reducing inflammation and irritation around the eyelid margins. They are convenient for daily use and an essential part of maintaining healthy eye hygiene for those prone to blepharitis.
- Professional Treatment Approaches
When home care fails to provide sufficient relief, professional treatment can provide further benefits. One method is when an optometrist employs a spinning light burr instrument to safely and efficiently remove crusts and debris from the eyelid margins. This reduces the thickening of oils from the meibomian glands, improving the flow.
Some other options include the ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) and BlephEx. The ZEST procedure is a gentle, in-office treatment for blepharitis that uses a gel to remove debris and oil buildup from the eyelid margins, leaving the eyes feeling refreshed. BlephEx is another professional treatment where a handheld device is used to carefully exfoliate and clean the eyelids, targeting the root causes of blepharitis by removing bacteria and biofilm. Both treatments offer relief from symptoms and support long-term eye health.
Consistent follow-up is the key. It’s best to see patients every 2-6 weeks, depending on the clinical picture, and monitor their progress, adjusting their treatment plans as necessary along the way.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Anti-inflammatory treatments can be key, particularly when inflammation is a core aspect of the condition. Steroid eye drops or ointments are often prescribed to help decrease swelling and irritation. These are usually only used short-term to tamp down severe flare-ups and provide rapid relief.
Prevention Strategies
A warm compress mask with massage can help alleviate blepharitis symptoms by loosening oil buildup in the meibomian glands and improving circulation to the eyelids. This will soften any clogged oil, making it easier to flush out of your eyelids completely. Spend 30 seconds on each eyelid to help dissolve any excess oil and dirt. This straightforward practice can go a long way toward preventing eyelid infection and irritation.
Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene with lid wipes is also essential, particularly those with antibacterial properties or tea tree oil, as they can help reduce bacteria and mites that contribute to irritation. Hypochlorous acid is another excellent alternative for daily cleaning, offering a gentle yet effective way to reduce inflammation and promote healthy eyelid function.
It’s all about developing healthier eyelid habits a little bit at a time. They’re straightforward, but powerful strategies to tackle blepharitis without complicating your everyday life.
Conclusion
Blepharitis is no walk in the park, but understanding the condition goes a long way. By taking the proper measures, you can keep it at bay and even minimize its effects. Routine eyelid care and appropriate therapy will leave your eyes feeling and looking their best. While this chronic condition can feel like an inconvenience, understanding it will empower you to manage it.
If you need extra help with your blepharitis symptoms, reach out to Dr D’Orio Eyecare today! Visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.
