Mr Tariq Ayoub - 6 Dec 2021
BlephEx™ treatment from only £250 per session
Have you got red, itchy eyes? Are they swollen and irritated? You might be experiencing blepharitis.
As Oculase – The Eye Clinic, I see many patients for blepharitis and can provide quick relief for painful symptoms. This blog discusses what this condition is, what causes it, and how to cure it fast.
What is it?
Blepharitis is a common skin infection, also known as eyelid inflammation. You can get it on the outside of your eye (anterior) or the inner part of your eyelid (posterior). It’s possible to get both types at the same time.
Symptoms include:
- Itchy, red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sticky eyelashes and eyelids
- Greasy-looking eyelids
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Flaky skin around the eyes that might look like dandruff
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact me for advice.
How important is diagnostics to the final outcome? I explain below:
Blepharitis can be annoying, as it’s hard to resist itching your eyes. However, before I can recommend treatment options, you need to make sure it is blepharitis.
Me or my team will need to examine your eyes to make a diagnosis. We might also swab your skin to test for allergens or bacteria.
Most people who experience blepharitis experience a reoccurrence, so it is important to know how to manage the condition and treat it quickly.
How to cure blepharitis fast
Depending on how it affects you, it can be treated at home or with specialist care.
While blepharitis cannot be cured, it can be managed when it flares up. Home remedies, for example, can work wonders.
Home remedies include:
- Putting a warm compress over your eyes – gently
- Cleaning your eyelids regularly
- Massaging your eyelid
- Avoiding eye makeup when you have a flare-up
- Not wearing contact lenses
- Over-the-counter artificial tears
- Taking omega-3 supplements
You should be careful when handling your eyes and always wash your hands first.
If these home remedies don’t work, you can try some medications and other treatments. For example, you might need medications (eye drops and/or tablets) to treat an infection or inflammation. You may also need eye drops to lubricate your eyes, though seek professional advice before putting anything in your eye.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend BlephEx™ treatment. This process cleans your eyelashes and eyelids by removing bacteria, crusting, and debris with a medical-grade sponge.
If you also have meibomian gland dysfunction, you may need meibomian gland expression, which is a type of dry eye treatment.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis has many causes. One is an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelids, which can cause inflammation. Other causes include infections, blocked oil glands, and eyelash mites (Demodex).
Additionally, people with meibomian gland dysfunction may deal with it as a side effect. However, some doctors believe this is a precursor of the condition rather than something caused by it.
People at risk may have:
- A skin condition, such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, or rosacea
- Oily skin
- Allergies that affect their eyelashes
You are also more likely to experience it if you are over 50 years of age, though it can affect anyone.
While it’s not usually serious if left untreated, it can lead to other issues, such as a stye or a chalazion, dry eyes, cysts, and conjunctivitis.
In more severe cases, it can also cause damage to your cornea. So, it’s important to get your eyes checked by an eye specialist if you aren’t sure how to treat your eye problems.
Book an appointment
If you are experiencing the symptoms of blepharitis, book an appointment today to find out what could be causing it. We have clinics in London, Hertfordshire, and Southampton for your convenience.
I and the expert team at Oculase will ask about your medical history and perform a complete assessment of your eyes to determine the best treatment option for you.
