The base of your eyelids where eyelashes usually grow contain tiny oil glands that could get clogged. When this happens, your eyelids may become inflamed, leading to blepharitis. Your optical care center talks about things you should know about this condition.
What Causes Blepharitis
The exact reasons why blepharitis happens is still unclear. Eye care specialists explain this is often associated with malfunctioning oil glands in your eyelids. Allergies, lice infestation, and bacterial infections can also cause blepharitis. Seborrheic dermatitis, which is dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows, and Rosacea, which is a skin condition that causes facial redness, are often linked to blepharitis as well.
How It Affects Your Eye Health
Your optometrist explains that blepharitis may lead to red, itchy, swollen, and watery eyes. You may also experience a gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in your eyes. Your eyelids may appear greasy, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Crusted eyelashes, especially in the morning, as well as flaking of the skin around your eyes are common. Chronic blepharitis often leads to light sensitivity and abnormal growth or loss of eyelashes.
While blepharitis is not contagious and does not cause permanent eyesight damage, it may lead to other eye problems, especially if you have had it for an extended period of time. For one, you may develop eyelid scarring or turning inward or outward. You may also have dry eyes as a result of the abnormal oily secretions and debris shedding from your eyelids. Painful styes (infectious eyelid lumps) and chalazions (oily blockages inside your eyelids) may form as well. Pink eye, conjunctivitis, and corneal irritation are common complications of blepharitis as well.
How It Is Managed
Blepharitis is often a chronic condition which requires long-term management. Your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics, whether oral, topical, or eyedrops, to resolve any bacterial infections. We may recommend using anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments to reduce the eyelid inflammation too. It is important that you observe proper hygienic self-care measures, such as washing your eyes and using warm compresses.
To learn more about blepharitis, call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. You may also fill out our form to schedule an appointment. We serve Bothell and nearby WA areas.