What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that affects your eyelids. It’s often due to an infection and causes your eyelids to become red and swollen, which can contribute to dry eye syndrome. You may also develop flakes that look like dandruff on your eyelids or eyelashes.
Additionally, blepharitis causes eye discharge, which can lead to crusty eyes, especially in the morning. Fortunately, while blepharitis is uncomfortable, it doesn’t cause lasting damage to your eyelids or eyes.
Dr. Rosenberg diagnoses blepharitis as either anterior or posterior, depending on where your inflammation is located. Anterior blepharitis affects the outside edge of your eyelid, where your eyelashes grow. Posterior blepharitis causes inflammation on the inside part of your eyelid that touches your eye.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis could be caused by a wide range of factor, including:
- Bacteria
- Fungal infection
- Parasites
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Dry eyes
If you have a skin condition such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, your risk of blepharitis increases. You may also develop blepharitis if you have pink eye or another eye infection.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
If your eyelids are frequently swollen or crusty, make an appointment with Dr. Rosenberg at Bridge Opticians. Dr. Rosenberg asks about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
He then examines your eyes and eyelids for symptoms that indicate the cause of your condition. For example, swollen, sticky eyelids and a crust that causes your eyelashes to point in abnormal directions are both signs of a bacterial infection.
How is blepharitis treated?
At Bridge Opticians, Dr. Rosenberg offers customized treatments for blepharitis, chosen to address the underlying cause of your inflamed eyelids. He may prescribe medicated drops or ointments if you have a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection.
Alternatively, if your condition is due to dry eye syndrome, Dr. Rosenberg may recommend artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, clean, and comfortable.
Dr. Rosenberg might recommend using warm compresses to loosen any crust and use a gentle facial wash or baby shampoo to clean your face. You may also want to avoid wearing your contact lenses or eye makeup during your treatment, as it could cause additional irritation.
It’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly before applying any medication or warm compresses to your eyes to prevent the spread of infection and avoid introducing other irritants to your eyes.
Call Bridge Opticians or schedule an appointment online today for expert treatments for blepharitis.
