What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis refers to a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelids are irritated, itchy, and occasionally the eye itself becomes red. This condition may begin in early childhood and continue throughout the patient's adult years, or it may appear for the first time when the patient is an adult.

There are two forms of blepharitis:

1. Seborrheic blepharitis acts as a skin condition, and appears as reddened eyelids and flaky, scaly eyelashes. The patient often also has dandruff.
2. Ulcerative blepharitis is caused by bacteria, and is generally a more serious condition. The patient has dried crusts matted around the base of the eyelashes. When these crusts are removed, small ulcers lie underneath that often drain or bleed. The sclera or white part of the eye may become inflamed and reddened. When most sever, this form of blepharitis may involve the cornea. The patient may lose eyelashes, and the edges of the eyelids may become irregular in shape, causing the eye to produce continuous tears.

Blepharitis is usually a long-term condition, and requires strict hygiene habits. The following regimen should be followed:

• Fill a small glass with warm water.
• Add three drops of baby shampoo.
• Take a clear cotton swab and soak it in the solution.
• Gently scrub both eyelids for two minutes with eyes closed (upper and lower, similar to the way in which eyeliner is remover).
• Rinse with cool tap water.
• Gently dry with a clean towel.
• Use medications as directed by our doctors.

Today there are also many packaged products that can be used to achieve the same effect as the above baby shampoo solution.

Treatment of an oily scalp for dandruff or other skin conditions may also be helpful in controlling symptoms.

Antibiotics or cortisone preparations may be prescribed to help control the condition. Please follow the directions for use and duration of these medications. Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand how these are to be applied.

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