Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. It causes sore, red eyelids and crusty debris at the base of the eyelashes due to clogged oil glands in the area. A chronic condition, it’s challenging to treat – but not impossible.
Blepharitis develops due to bacterial growth and inflammation in the oil glands along the eyelid margins. It tends to be associated with other conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and rosacea. Some of the more common signs and symptoms include:
01
Itchy, red or burning eyes
02
Redness and crusting around the eyelid margins
03
A gritty, burning or stinging sensation
04
Sensitivity to light
05
Frequent styles
(infected oil glands along the edge of the eyelid)06
Eyelashes that fall out or grow abnormally
07
Watery eyes
If left untreated, blepharitis can cause a number of complications. Some patients experience excessive tearing, dry eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses and chronic pink eye infections. In addition, injury of the cornea may occur due to the combination of constant irritation, inflammation, insufficient tearing and misdirected eyelashes. As such, it’s important to consult an experienced eye doctor as soon as you notice symptoms that are associated with blepharitis, so you can take steps to proactively manage the condition, keep symptoms at bay and prevent complications from developing.
As a chronic condition, there is no cure for blepharitis. As such, treatment involves managing the condition and alleviating some of the symptoms. The most common treatment options Dr. Benjamin recommends to his patients include:
Hot compresses can be very effective in offering relief from blepharitis symptoms. Simply run a washcloth under hot water and hold it over your eyes for about five minutes, two to three times daily.
After applying your hot compress, moisten a Q-tip in a solution of a few drops of baby shampoo mixed with a large glass of warm water. Pull down on the lower eyelid and look up, before rubbing the Q-tip over the lashes for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat with your upper eyelids, but look down. Looking away from the lashes during this process will lessen the likelihood that you accidentally rub your eye. Once the scrub is complete, rinse your eyelids with clear water. Repeat this process at bedtime every four to six weeks.
In some cases, Dr. Benjamin will recommend applying antibiotic ointment to both eyes after your scrubs. Blurred vision may occur when applying these ointments, so it’s best to use them at night.
If you have a severe case of blepharitis, Dr. Benjamin may recommend oral antibiotics to manage the condition.
It is possible to prevent blepharitis by practicing proper eyelid hygiene. This includes keeping your eyelids clean, removing eye makeup at bedtime and avoiding applying eyeliner along the inside of your eyelids. If you already have blepharitis and are attempting to treat it, we recommend avoiding eye makeup altogether until you’ve gotten the condition under control.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of blepharitis, or you’ve been diagnosed with the condition but it’s not well controlled, schedule a consultation with Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet today.
During your appointment in their Los Angeles office, they will evaluate the severity of your condition and design a personalized treatment approach that fits into your lifestyle and can offer symptom relief.
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Wonderful eye institute. Delightful & very efficient & up to date staff. Especially Myka. Treat yourself to good eye sight by the charming Dr. Benjamin. You will be in good hands.
Doe
I have had dry eyes for a quite sometime and had seen several physicians and got eye drops etc but not until I have seen Dr. Benjamin I found how serious problem that it was. I had the most thorough and individual attention by Dr. Benjamin. He explained to me my problem and treatment options available. Dr. Benjamin and His staff are very caring and they spend as much time with you as needed and one feels taken care of. I was given state of the art treatment for my dry eyes and my eyes went from feeling tired , red , scratchy and itchy to brilliantly glowing clear. Office is very serene and staff is attentive, pleasant and smiling. Dr. Benjamin is very down to earth and explains thoroughly that one understands what alis them. I will definitely keep coming back for all my eye issues.
I wish I had come to Dr. Benjamin years ago!!!
I have been hopping around between 3 eye doctors in the last few years complaining of severe eye pain, redness - so bad I haven't been able to wear contacts for a year. Every other doctor made a diagnosis in 2 minutes, prescribed a few things and sent me on my way. Nothing helped and the doctors kept saying my eyes looked fine despite my symptoms. Finally I saw Dr. Benjamin, and he listened to my concerns from top to bottom and did tests the other doctors never did! He made a brand new diagnosis which finally makes sense and fits my symptoms. He spent almost an hour with me which is unbelievable. I am so impressed with this place, even the front desk and other staff were so friendly. I'm so relieved and am looking forward to making a recovery with Dr. Benjamin and eventually getting LASIK.
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