You may not know this, but every single person in this world has some bacteria living on their skin. However, some people have more bacteria living under their eyelashes than most people, which may cause flakes that are dandruff-like to form there. There are also people who have difficulties with their oil glands on their eyelids. Both of the conditions could lead to blepharitis. You don’t have to fret if you think you have it since this is very common. In fact, blepharitis is one of the widely treated eye conditions. The only problem is that the treatments available for it are rarely effective; this is why most sufferers go on with their lives living with it.
What Is Blepharitis?
If you experience inflammation on your eyelids, which at times can become red, itchy, irritated, and have scales that are dandruff-like on them, then you may be suffering blepharitis. It can be either caused by a skin condition or bacteria and may affect you whether you’re young or old. Luckily, it’s not contagious and will not cause any permanent damage to your eyesight.
There are two types of blepharitis:
- Posterior blepharitis
It can occur on the inner edge of your eyelids that touch your eyeball.
- Anterior blepharitis
It can occur on the front edge of your eyelid where your eyelashes are attached.
What Would You Feel If You Have Blepharitis?
If you have blepharitis, you may experience a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes.
You may also experience:
- Excessive tearing
- Itching
- Red and swollen eyelids
- Eyelids that are crusting
- Dry eyes
Some people will only experience minor itching and irritation. However, some people suffer more severe symptoms.
If you suffer severe symptoms of blepharitis:
- Blurry vision
- Misdirected eyelashes
- Missing eyelashes
- Inflammation of the other tissues of your eyes
If you scratch, irritating, and touching your eyes while you have blepharitis, you may suffer more symptoms such as a secondary infection.
What Are The Causes Of Blepharitis?
- Rosacea, Psoriasis, and Eczema
Blepharitis usually comes from a skin condition, thus if you suffer from skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, your chances of getting blepharitis are high.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Our oily tears come from your glands along your eyelids. The oil in your tears prevents your tears from evaporating. However, when your glands get blocked, it may cause your eyelids to get inflamed.
- Demodex
Demodex are small parasitic mites that live on your facial skin and are more at home in your eyelash follicles. If you have rosacea, you’ll be more likely to have these mites which can, later on, result in the spread of eyelid disease.
- Biofilm
Biofilm is like a plaque that builds up on your eyelids, which are bacteria that can cause inflammation and irritation.
- Contaminated Eye Make-up
Bacteria can infest your make-up, and if you apply the make-up on your face and eyes, the bacteria gets transferred. Thus, it may result in infection.
How Is Blepharitis Treated?
Sadly, even if this disease is common, there’s not a single medically approved cure for this eye diseases. However, it can be easily managed. It may flare up every now and then, but if you get checked by an eye doctor, like the ones we have here at Dryeyesclinic.co.uk – Blepharitis Treatment, you can manage blepharitis and keep your yourself comfortable.
- Scrubbing your eyelids
One of the best ways to treat blepharitis is to have good hygiene. If you scrub your eyelids regularly, it can be effective in helping you lessen the symptoms of blepharitis. Make sure that you use gentle products such as baby shampoo and to rub your eyelids as gently as possible.
- Massaging your eyelids and giving it warm compresses
Warm compression can help you melt the secretions, allowing them to flow and prevent blockage in your glands readily. Massaging it while applying the warm compression will also help release the built up of oil. Make sure that you use a compression that’s warm enough not to burn the skin around your eyes. Too much heat will only make your eyes’ inflammation get worse.
- Injecting steroids
Most people with blepharitis have inflamed eyes. If you manage the inflammation, you’ll be able to control the disease. You can get the area around your eyes injected with steroids regularly, or you can also use eye drops with a mild steroid.
- Eyelid descaling
You can descale the build-up of biofilm at your eyes’ base. You can go to an eye doctor to help you to keep it squeaky clean, the same way you have your teeth cleaned by a dentist.
- Demodex treatment
You can help manage your blepharitis by managing the mites with tea tree oil. Managing bugs will help you minimize the symptoms that they cause in your eyes and face, thus controlling the symptoms of blepharitis.
Get Help
As we’ve mentioned above, even if blepharitis is not treatable, it’s however manageable. This is why you should never let yourself suffer, and get a certified eye doctor to help you find the right method for you.
Leave a Reply