Blepharitis Treatment
INFORMATION
Blepharitis is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelid margin (edge of the lid where the lashes insert). There are many tiny openings (glands) of the lid margin, which drain oil. These openings can get clogged up for a variety of reasons. The result is swollen or red eyelids. Patients may also notice eye irritation, itching, tearing and foreign body sensation.
Bacteria are normally found around the eyelids. In some patients, there may be an over abundance of bacteria, which can lead to dandruff-like debris around the eyes. This debris can also cause irritation, itching, tearing and foreign body sensation.
Treatment is aimed at opening up the glands around the eyelids and reducing the amount of bacteria present. Blepharitis is a chronic condition and requires chronic care. Usually, once it is under control you will be able to treat it less vigorously than you may need to initially. Warm compresses, lid scrubs and artificial tears are the first line of treatment.
WARM COMPRESSES: (DO ____ TIMES A DAY)
1. Wash your hands.
2. Heat up a clean washcloth using warm tap water. A microwave may also be used.
3. Wring out the washcloth and hold it over your closed lids until it cools.
4. Repeat until you have held the warm cloth over your lids for a total of 10 minutes.
5. Gently scrub your closed lids with the washcloth to clean the area. You may add a couple of drops of non-irritating baby shampoo to the washcloth when scrubbing the lids. At the end, rinse with a clean washcloth.
ARTIFICIAL TEARS
Artificial tears, which you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription, will often help to relieve eye irritation associated with blepharitis. Use:
Artificial Tears: ____ RIGHT LEFT BOTH eye(s) ____ times a day, OR every ____ hours, OR as needed. ____
OTHER MEDICATION
Use: ____ RIGHT LEFT BOTH eye(s)
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