Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that often causes discomfort, burning, redness, swollen lids, crusts, flakes and matter in the eyes upon waking. More severe forms can cause ulceration of the lids and lash loss. It can be further classified into two forms, anterior and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis is typically caused by microbes like bacterial Staphylococcus and Demodex mites. Posterior blepharitis is usually caused by inflammatory conditions like rosacea.
Treatment of blepharitis includes warm compresses, lid hygiene with hypochlorous acid products like Zenoptiq, Omega-3’s like those found in Nordic Naturals ProOmega, topical antibiotics like Azasite or Tobradex and even oral antibiotics like Doxycycline. In cases of demodex the use of Cliradex and Oust tea tree oil scrubs may be necessary. Blepharitis tends to recur, so continued hygiene is the key to maintaining healthy lids
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At the Visionary Eye Center, we often liken blepharitis to tooth plaque. Constant hygiene with daily scrubbing is necessary to prevent further issues.
