Dry Eyes? Learn More about Blepharitis and Eyelid Hygiene

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation that affects the eyelids, particularly the area of the lid where the lashes grow. It is characterized by itchy, inflamed and/or irritated eyelids, and a gritty sensation may occur. It is often a chronic condition that can be better managed though lid hygiene.

What are the symptoms?

-Watery Eyes

-Gritty, burning sensation in the eyes

-Red, swollen eyelids

-Flaking of the skin around the eyes

-Loss of eyelashes

-Crusted eyelashes upon waking

-Abnormal eyelash growth (misdirected eyelashes)

-Itchy eyelids

-Greasy looking eyelids

Eyelid treatment:

Blepharitis is a chronic condition, but good hygiene practices can treat it. Doing daily eyelid cleansing using baby shampoo, along with warm compresses is recommended.

Directions:

-When showering, stand under the hot water for 5 minutes with your eyes closed. This acts as a warm compress to loosen the matter from the lid margin. Then, take a cap full of baby shampoo and lather it up on a wash cloth and gently massage and clean the eyelids in a back and forth motion using the diluted baby shampoo.

-If you prefer to do your hygiene when not in the shower, take a wash cloth and run it under warm tap water, close your eyes and place the warm washcloth on your eyelids for 5 minutes. This acts as a warm compress to loosen the matter from the margin. Then gently clean the eyelids with a cotton ball diluted with baby shampoo and water.

-If the baby shampoo irritates your eyes, you may use mineral oil or baby oil on the tip of a cotton applicator (Q-tip) and gently massage in a back and forth motion along the base of the eyelids where the eyelashes are. Be sure to do a warm compress first.

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