Blepharitis is a common and chronic inflammation of the eyelids. It typically affects the eyelash follicles and the glands along the eyelid margins, causing itchiness and irritation in the affected areas.
The condition can be uncomfortable and persistent, and consistent blepharitis treatment is often required to prevent flare-ups.
Blepharitis is often caused by a variety of factors — including common skin-based bacteria, some types of skin-conditions and/or glands inside the eyelids not producing enough oil or becoming clogged.
Typical symptoms of blepharitis include:
These symptoms are sometimes associated with other eye conditions, so it’s important to book an eye examination if any or all of these occur.
Normally, blepharitis can be effectively treated with daily eyelid hygiene. ‘Crusts’ can be loosened and removed using special wipes or gels to gently scrub the eyelids. Occasionally, antibiotic or steroid eye drops / ointments are required to reduce inflammation.
Book an appointment with your optometrist to have your eyes examined. They will be able to recommend a treatment plan to improve the health of your eyelids. Contact Belmont Optical to book an appointment with our expert team.
Untreated blepharitis symptoms can lead to other eye conditions such as dry eye disease, as well as increased regularity of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (‘pink eye’) and marginal keratitis.