Eyelid Margin Disease Including Blepharitis

Eyelid margin disease is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyelids become inflamed from an overabundance of bacteria. As a result, you may experience eyelid irritation, itchiness, and redness. Blepharitis, specifically, occurs when the base of both the upper and lower lids near the eyelashes are covered with oil and bacteria. Although it is normal to have bacteria on the skin’s surface, excess amounts can cause inflammation. This condition often afflicts those who also suffer from oily skin, dandruff, or dry eye.

Causes & Symptoms

Blepharitis is caused by large amounts of bacteria forming near the base of the eyelashes. As this bacteria collects, scales and particles may develop around the lashes and edge of the eyelids. Common symptoms of this problem include itchiness, redness, burning, or stinging of the eyes.

close up green eye

Blepharitis can also be connected with meibomitis, which is another type of eyelid margin disease that occurs when the oil glands become inflamed.

Treatment for Blepharitis

Since blepharitis is a persistent disease, treatment typically only controls the symptoms. One of our Virginia Beach eye doctors can recommend one of the following methods to effectively manage your condition:

Warm Compresses and Eyelid Scrubs: Apply a warm, damp compress over closed eyes for about one minute, repeating two to three times. This causes debris around your eyelashes to loosen, which can prevent a chalazion from forming. For further treatment, use a clean cloth or cotton swab that has been dampened with warm water to gently rub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds to help exfoliate scales from your eyelid.

Antibiotic Ointment: You may be prescribed a topical antibiotic to apply to the base of your eyelashes at night. In addition to this, you may also be given a prescription for artificial tears or steroid eye drops.

Good Hygiene: Since blepharitis tends to recur, you should practice good skin and eyelid hygiene, as this can limit flare-ups of the disease. Using antibacterial shampoo on your hair, scalp, and eyebrows can also help with similar problems.

Contact Virginia Eye Consultants

To learn whether you may have an eyelid margin disease like blepharitis, and how you can treat the condition, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

The doctors at Virginia Eye Consultants have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.

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