What’s blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a condition that inflames your eyelids. In addition to becoming red and swollen, you can also develop a flakey skin condition that looks like dandruff.
It's also common to wake up in the morning with crust on your eyelids. While blepharitis is often uncomfortable, it doesn't cause lasting damage to your eyelids or eyes.
Depending on where your inflammation is, blepharitis is identified as either anterior or posterior. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside front edge of the eyelid. Posterior blepharitis affects the inside of the eyelid that touches your eyeball.
What causes blepharitis?
A variety of factors can cause blepharitis:
- Bacteria
- Fungal infection
- Parasites
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Dry eyes
Skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can also contribute to blepharitis. Blepharitis and dry eyes or a pink eye infection often happen at the same time.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
Make an appointment at Benjamin Optical if your eyelids are swollen and crusty. The optometrists talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. They might also ask questions about your lifestyle and habits.
They examine your eyes and eyelids. Often your symptoms and the appearance of your eyelids reveal the cause of your condition to your doctor.
For example, if your eyelids are thick and sticky and your eyelashes are pointing in abnormal directions, you may have a bacterial infection. But if your eyelids have flakes or scales, you probably have seborrheic blepharitis, which is a dandruff condition.
How is blepharitis treated?
Benjamin Optical offers customized blepharitis treatments, depending on the underlying cause of your inflamed eyelids.
For example, if you have a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection, your optometrist prescribes medication to help your body fight off the infection. They can also recommend artificial tears to combat dry eye symptoms.
During your treatment, you can apply warm compresses to your eyes to loosen the crust and use a gentle facial wash or baby shampoo to clean your face. You’ll also want to avoid wearing your contact lenses or eye makeup during your treatment.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before applying any medication or warm compresses to your eyes.
Call Benjamin Optical or schedule an appointment online today for expert treatments of blepharitis.
