Treat Blepharitis Effectively

It is usually caused by seborrheic dermatitis or a bacterial infection..

This condition is characterized by excessive oil production in the (meibomian)glands near the base of the eyelashes. The eyelid margins will appear red , with dandruff type scales attached to the base of the eyelashes.

It is commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp(dandruff) and acne rosacea.

The eyelids have the following signs and symptoms: o Crusty flakes at base of eyelashes.o Reddened and inflamed eyelid margins.o Swolleno Burning,itchy eyes.• Loss of eyelashes may occur.

A close up examination of the eyelids by an optometrist or eye doctor during an examination is usually enough for a diagnosis.

The first course of treatment is careful daily cleansing of the edges of the eyelids, to remove the skin oils that the bacteria feed on. Your optometrist will usually recommend using diluted baby shampoo or special eyelid cleansers. Antibiotic or steroidal ointments may also be helpful in controlling acute bacterial infections on the eyelids.

If acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis are causing the problem, it makes sense to seek treatment for those conditions as a first stop.

The likely outcome for recovery is good with treatment.

Continued attention to eyelid hygiene in the future will be required to prevent repeated outbreaks of the condition.

Possible Complications if left untreated include

• Styes • Inflammation of the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) • Eyelash loss • Eyelid scarring

Cleaning eyelids carefully will help prevent an outbreak of this common eyelid condition. If a specific skin condition is present, it should be treated first as a priority.

If you have any questions or require more information about this eye disease or any other eye problems, please send them to us via the form below.Please include your email address so that we can reply directly.