Blepharitis (Blef-or-itis)

What is it?
Blepharitis can be broken down into its two root words, "Bleph", which means Lids, and "-itis" which means inflammation. This common condition is a persistent inflammation of the eyelids. Symptoms include irritation, itching, and occasionally, a red eye. The condition may occur in people who have a tendency towards oily skin, dandruff, or dry eyes. Blepharitis can begin in early childhood, and continue throughout life as a chronic condition. More commonly the condition develops later in life. Bacteria thrive at the base of the eyelashes in people with blepharitis. The cause of blepharitis is BACTERIA AT THE BASE OF THE LASHES. In Blepharitis, both upper and lower eyelids become coated with oily debris and bacteria near the base of the eyelashes. The eye feels irritated and may become inflamed. Regular, cleaning of the lid margin helps control blepharitis.

How Is Blepharitis Treated? Blepharitis can be controlled with a few simple measures:

• Buy some antibacterial soap. Any antibacterial soap will work. These include, Dial, Zest, Softsoap Liquid(my favorite).
• Once or Twice a week, in the shower or bath, coat your finger with antibacterial soap and wash THE BASE OF THE EYELASHES WITH THE SOAP. Act as if you are washing your hair with one finger.
• DON'T SQUEEZE THE LIDS WHILE WASHING OR THE SOAP WILL NOT GET TO THE BACTERIA.
• Rinse after you have completely coated, and hopefully killed, the bacteria at the base of the lashes. If your eyes burn a bit during this procedure, then you have probably performed the wash correctly.
• Other treatments include antibacterial drops and antibacterial pills which help to kill the bacteria in the lashes. Both of these work only as long as they are used consistently.
• Unfortunately Blepharitis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Artificial tears may be used to relieve symptoms of dry eye. (These are eye drops that are available without a prescription.) My favorites are Genteal and Thera tears.

Why are regular medical eye examinations important for everyone?
Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until after damage has occurred. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular medical examinations by an ophthalmologist are very important.