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What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a
chronic inflammation of the eyelids which causes irritation, itching,
and occasionally a red eye. The eyelids are composed of skin on the
outside and mucous membranes on the inside. A cartilage-like plate,
muscles, and glands are sandwiched in between. Blepharitis can begin
in early childhood producing “granulated eyelids,” and may continue
throughout life as a chronic condition or it may develop in later
life. It may appear in one of two ways:
Seborrheic blepharitis
is characterized by redness of the lids, scales and flaking around the
eyelashes. It is often associated with dandruff of the scalp.
Ulcerative blepharitis
is usually a more severe condition caused by bacteria and is
characterized by matted hard crusts around the eyelashes which upon
removal leave small ulcers that may bleed or ooze. The white part of
the eye may turn red. In severe cases the cornea (the clear part of
the eye) may become inflamed.
Signs and Symptoms
There is usually a
build-up of a lot of mucous and crusts on the eyelashes, irritation of
the surface of the eyeball, itching, sensitivity to light, or other
similar symptoms. There may be a loss of eyelashes and distortion of
the margins of the eyelids which can cause chronic tearing.
How is Blepharitis
treated?
The treatment usually
consists of three parts.
First, is the use of
warm (not hot) compresses to the eyelid area. A clean washcloth or
small towel soaked in warm tap water and held on the closed eyelids
for three to five minutes, two or three times per day is best.
Secondly, in view of
the long-term nature of the condition, strict lid hygiene is
necessary. The following regimen may be useful:
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Fill a glass with
warm water.
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Add 3 drops of baby
shampoo (No More Tears)
-
Take a clean cotton
ball and soak it in the solution.
-
Gently scrub both
eyelids for two minutes with the eyes closed.
-
Rinse with cool tap
water
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Gently dry with a
soft towel
-
Use medications as
directed.
Treatment of an oily
scalp with antidandruff shampoo my also be helpful.
The third part may
involve the use of various antibiotics and even cortisone preparations
to alleviate the condition. Medicine is rarely of value without the
other measures.
Once the acute phase is
controlled, lid hygiene as described above and the use of bland
ointments may be sufficient to maintain control of blepharitis.
While cortisone
preparations often hasten relief of symptoms long-term use can cause
side effects. Some susceptible individuals may develop glaucoma,
cataracts, or virus infections from prolonged steroid use.
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