Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins. This condition may be due to several causes, including infection or excess oil production. A complete eye examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the type of blepharitis in order to determine the most effective treatment.

Blepharitis can be divided into two types according to which part of the lids is involved. Typical changes of Type 1 blepharitis are scaly skin flakes along the eyelid margins. These crusts cause the eyelid margins to stick together and can alter the growth of the eyelashes or cause lashes to fall out. When these crusts get into the tear film, a gritty sensation occurs that can lead to red, irritated eyes and light sensitivity. Sometimes, infection of the lids develops in addition to the "mechanical" irritation caused by the crusting.

Type 2 blepharitis is caused by improper function of the oil glands located along the eyelid margins. Burning, stinging, blurred vision and redness are common symptoms. Excess oil gland production can also lead to roughened eyelids and mucous debris that accumulates during sleep. Sometimes a stye, called a chalazion, appears that is an inflamed oil gland cyst. Some patients with this form of blepharitis have dandruff, acne or other general skin conditions such as seborrhea or acne rosacea.

EYELID CLEANSING One of the best ways to relieve the symptoms associated with blepharitis is to carefully clean the eyelids of accumulated crusts. Until the crusts are eliminated, comfort is unlikely to be achieved. Daily lid cleaning, using the specific technique recommended for you is the cornerstone of controlling symptoms of blepharitis.

For Type 2 blepharitis, medications taken by mouth are useful to improve or alter the oil composition of the glands. In this way, tetracycline, doxycycline and other medications may relieve the symptoms of blepharitis. When taken properly, these are safe drugs. However, side effects may occur in some individuals, including skin rash, slight nausea and especially increased sensitivity to sunburn. Following the initial treatment course, the medication dosage may be slowly decreased. This is usually based on tolerance and improvement of your eye condition.

Results of Treatment

Blepharitis is a chronic condition. It is our goal that with treatment, your symptoms will be controlled so as not to interfere with your day to day activities. Often, several weeks of treatment are required before you will achieve benefit from the course of therapy recommended. Please do not get discouraged. Fortunately, blepharitis tends to disappear on its own, even though it may take several years. Different eyedrops or ointments may be used at different times, and a prolonged treatment schedule is sometimes necessary. Please contact our office if you have questions or if you develop any new eye condition or reaction.