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What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis, or granulated eyelids, is a chronic inflammation and/or infection of the eyelid margin.It is an extremely common condition, being one of the most frequent reasons that patients visit the ophthalmologist. Fortunately, it is not vision threatening, but it is difficult to cure and tends to recur.
What is the cause of Blepharitis?
Symptoms include itching, scratchy feeling, soreness of the lids, dryness, tearing, increased mattering, and the sensation that something is in the eye. Findings include swollen lids, crusting of the lids, bloodshot eyes, and in some cases frequent styes and bumps in the lid margin.
What causes Blepharitis?
It can be caused by germs, allergies, oily skin, and is more frequent in patients with dandruff and adult acne (acne rosacea). In many patients the exact cause is unknown. It is very frequently associated with dry eyes.
What is the treatment for Blepharitis?
Milder cases are treated with warm compresses and lid scrubs. In more severe cases, antibiotic ointments and pills are used. The response to treatment can be slow and frustrating since the condition is frequently present months to years before becoming symptomatic.
Think of the treatment as two components: Heat and Massage.
HEAT:
"Washcloth Compress"-- Take a clean wash cloth and warm it under the faucet. Apply the moist compress to the closed lids. Leave the hot water running and keep rewarming the cloth frequently for a total of about 15 minutes.
"RicePack Compress"-- Take a clean cotton sock and put about 1/2 to 1 cup of uncooked rice in it. Tie a knot in the sock or use a string to tie the sock that forms a ball with the rice. Heat the ball in the microwave until very warm. NOT HOT Enough TO BURN YOURSELF. Apply the warm sock to the closed eyelids for 15 minutes.
This will open the oil glands of the lid, increase the circulation, and soften the tiny granules.
MASSAGE:
The next phase involves scrubbing the lids to remove the granules and crusting. Using a cleansing solution of dilute Johnson's Baby Shampoo and clean fingertips gently massage along the lid margin where the eyelashes enter the lid. Make sure the eye is closed and the lashes can be felt under the fingertips while scrubbing. About 30 seconds on each lid, top and bottom, will remove any crusting and oily buildup.
If ointment is prescribed apply a small amount to the lid margins at bedtime.
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