Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis?

Having an inflamed eyelid isn’t unusual. It may feel as if you have a piece of sand in your eye or your eyelashes could be crusty in the morning when you awake. Just about everyone has this kind of inflammation at one time or another. To the team at Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we call it blepharitis. Here’s some information about this inflammation and what you can do about it.

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What are The Different Types of Blepharitis?

• Seborrhea blepharitis — This is the most common form of eyelid inflammation. It isn’t due to an infection but is caused by improper function of the oil glands that lubricate the eyes. This causes greasy, waxy scales to accumulate along the eyelid margins. Nutrition, hormones, stress, and your physical condition are factors in seborrhea blepharitis.
• Ulcerative blepharitis — This form is less common, but is more severe. Matted hard crusts form around the eyelashes, but when they are removed, they leave small sores that then bleed or ooze. There can also be chronic tearing and loss of the eyelashes.
• Staphylococcus blepharitis — This form is caused by the Staphylococci bacteria. This form of blepharitis results in collar scales on the lashes, crusting, and chronic redness at the lid margin. It may also cause sties, chalazia, the loss of the eyelashes, and dilated blood vessels.

Signs and Symptoms of Blepharitis

• Itchy, burning, watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Crusted eyes when you first wake
• Dry eyes
• Eyelashes that grow at different angles
• Greasy eyelids
• Itchy eyes
• Red eyelids
• Swelling
• Frequent sty formation
• Scaly flakes along the eyelid margins

How is Blepharitis Treated?

At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we’ll show you how to clean your eyelashes, as this is usually the most effective way to control your blepharitis. A very warm washcloth applied to the eyelids until it cools one important cleaning method. You can also lightly scrub your eyelids with a washcloth moistened with warm water and wrapped around your finger.

Prescription Medication for Blepharitis

If your blepharitis is more involved, we may prescribe eye drops or ointment. In some cases, oral medication (usually antibiotics) may be prescribed to alter the oil composition of the eyelid oil glands.

Schedule a Consultation

Do you have the symptoms of blepharitis? Call the team at Central Valley Eye Medical Group, (800) 244-9907, and let’s take a look.

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