BLEPHARITIS – A Big Word For A Common Eye Condition

It’s easy to take your eyes for granted.

Your job requires you to stare at a computer screen for most of your work day; you put your contact lenses in and forget to take them out before bed; you use eye make up that should have been deep-sixed months ago; you swim in chlorinated pools without goggles; you wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions.

You rub and strain and mistreat your eyes, usually innocently, but eventually, your eyes will react…with not-so-pleasant results…they end up dry, gritty, burning, red, itchy and watery.

These symptoms can be the result of modern life and can usually be treated with moisturizing eye drops, rest, and lifestyle changes. But sometimes these symptoms, along with others, can be signs of Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, a condition that needs medical attention.

Blepharitis affects the part of your eyelid where your eyelashes grow. It develops when the tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes malfunction and become clogged. When this happens, your eyes become irritated and red.

Blepharitis is uncomfortable, sometimes unsightly and can be chronic and difficult to treat. The good news is, it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight and it’s not contagious.

Other symptoms of Blepharitis include:

• Crusty eyelashes
• Flaky skin around the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Greasy, itchy, red and/or swollen eyelids
• More frequent blinking
• Abnormal growth direction or loss of eyelashes

Several diseases and conditions can cause Blepharitis. The exact cause isn’t clear, but Blepharitis is associated with everything from dandruff and rosacea to allergies and bacterial infections. Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it is often chronic, meaning that it never goes away completely. Your eye doctor may recommend that you apply a warm compress to the outer eyelids and cleanse your eyelids with a lid scrub or a solution of baby shampoo and water.

If you are experiencing Blepharitis symptoms that don’t improve after a couple of weeks of cleaning and care, call The Longwood Eye & LASIK Center to make a consultation appointment (888) 304-4895.