What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is when you have bacteria and oily flakes at the base of your eyelashes. Your eyelids are red, swollen, or feel like they are burning. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes.

What causes blepharitis?

Everyone has some bacteria on their skin. Some people, however, have more bacteria at the base of their eyelashes than other people. This can cause dandruff-like flakes to form. Also, some people have problems with oil glands in their eyelids, leading to blepharitis.

How is blepharitis treated?

Unfortunately, there is not a cure for blepharitis, but there are a numbers of things you can do to help control the symptoms.

Treatments include:

• Warm compresses. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry.
  Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging.
• Eyelid scrubs. Soak a clean washcloth, cotton swab (Q-tip), or lint-free pad in warm water. Then use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes. Scrub for about 15 seconds.
• Antibiotics. Your ophthalmologist may have you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or a cotton swab (Q-tip). Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Do this just before bedtime, or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic medicine for you to take by mouth.
• Eye drops. Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling and dry eye. Your ophthalmologist might prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to help the oil glands work better.
• Skin and eyelid hygiene. It is very important to keep your eyelids, skin and hair clean. This keeps your blepharitis symptoms under control. Carefully wash your eyelashes every day with baby shampoo. Also, wash your hair, scalp and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo. There are some new antiseptic sprays you can use on the skin that keep bacteria from growing too much.

If you have questions about your vision, please contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Damiano.