BLEPHARITIS
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelid that is often caused by a build up of oily secretions along
the eyelid margin. Bacteria may grow at the base of the eyelashes causing discomfort when they produce a variety of toxins. The symptoms may include a crusting along the eyelids, redness of the eyes, stinging, burning and the feeling that the eyes are stuck together in the morning. Often dry, burning, and tired eyes may be associated with Blepharitis. Synonyms are "Eyelid Margin Disease." Or " Meibomian Gland Dysfunction."
TREATMENT
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Wash your hands and soak a washcloth in warm ( not hot ) water.
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Moisten your eyelids with the washcloth or clean cotton balls.
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Clean and scrub gently the margin of your eyelid with the washcloth or cotton balls.
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If possible try to massage the eyelid in a vertical direction.
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Optional- Use diluted Baby Shampoo with the warm water
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Optional- Use a Q-Tip to get at the base of the lashes
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OTC products like OCuSOFT foaming solution or OCuSOFT, or Systane Eye Pads can be used
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At the end of the treatment rinse your eyes with warm ( not hot ) water
If we have prescribed an antibiotic or antibiotic/steroid ointment then use the Q-tips to gently smear the
ointment along the eyelid margin- upper and lower.
COMMENTS
The cleaning must be at the eyelash- eyelid border. Do not simply clean your eyelids but really try to get to the base of the eyelashes. This condition also tends to be chronic. (Sorry!). You will need to persist with this technique and if you can do this nightly then the blepharitis will be much easier to live with.
