Blepharitis Specialist

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelid. It’s a common eye condition that causes itchiness and irritation.

In most cases, the inflammation occurs because there are too many bacteria on the eyelids. Though it’s normal to have some bacteria on your skin, too much causes problems like blepharitis.

You can also develop blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids are clogged.

The two types of blepharitis are:

Anterior blepharitis

If you have inflammation that affects the outer part of your eyelid at the base of your eyelashes, then you have anterior blepharitis.

Posterior blepharitis

If you have inflammation of the inner ridge of your eyelid, the part closest to the eye, you have posterior blepharitis.

You can have one or both types at the same time.

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

Blepharitis causes eye discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Sensing something is stuck in your eye
• Stinging or burning
• Swelling and redness along your eyelids
• Crusty eyelids
  
  

Blepharitis can also cause more severe symptoms, like eyelashes that fall out or grow in the wrong direction. The eye condition can also cause swelling in other parts of your eye and blurry vision.

If you have symptoms of blepharitis, the team at North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians can help.

What happens during a blepharitis eye exam?

The team at North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians performs a thorough eye exam when you come in with blepharitis symptoms. This exam includes checking your vision and evaluating your eyes.

The team also uses a lighted magnifying device to closely examine your eyelashes and eyelids.

How is blepharitis treated?

There’s no cure for blepharitis, but the experienced team at North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians can design a plan that keeps your symptoms under control.

Treatment for blepharitis can include:

• Warm compresses
• Eyelid scrubbing
• Antibiotic ointment
• Artificial tears eye drops 
• Steroid eye drops to control inflammation and swelling
  
  

Most importantly, the team helps you develop a skin hygiene routine that reduces the bacteria causing the inflammation to prevent flare-ups. They recommend carefully washing your eyelashes with diluted baby shampoo and washing your hair, scalp, and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo.

Call North Shore Glaucoma Center & Eye Physicians today or schedule an appointment online to get help for blepharitis.