Blepharitis

Blepharitis

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
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  • Doctors
    • What Is Blepharitis?


    What is blepharitis?

    Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid. It is often caused by bacteria (usually staphylococcus) or related to a long-term (chronic) skin condition. These may include dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema.

    This condition causes the edge of the eyelid to become red, itchy, and irritated. Sores may develop on the eyelid, or the eyeball itself may get red. The eye may also burn and itch. Matter may collect in the eye and form a crust on the eyelid edge and eyelashes overnight.

    Usually, home treatment is all that is needed to treat blepharitis. 

    Appointment Information

    For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-764-4190.

    What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
    • Itching, irritation, red eyes
    • "Gritty" or "sandy" feeling
    • Flakes on the lashes

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have blepharitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    What are the causes of blepharitis?

    Bacteria are on the surface of everyone's skin but, in certain individuals, they thrive in the skin at the base of the eyelashes. The resulting irritation, sometimes associated with overactivity of the nearby oil glands, causes dandruff-like scales and particles to form along the lashes and eyelid margins.

    For some people, the scales or bacteria associated with blepharitis produce only minor irritation and itching but, in others, it may cause redness, stinging, or burning. Others, however, may develop an allergy to the scales or to the bacteria that surround them. This can lead to a more serious complication, including inflammation of other eye tissues, particularly the cornea.

    What are the risk factors for blepharitis?

    Blepharitis frequently occurs in people who have oily skin, dandruff, or dry eyes. It can begin in early childhood, producing "granulated eyelids" and continuing throughout life as a chronic condition, or it can develop later in life.

    How is blepharitis treated?

    Blepharitis is often treated with a combination of medication and changes to your daily routine.

    Medications

    Many medications are available for blepharitis, including antibiotics and steroids, in drop or ointment form. While steroid medications often bring quick relief of symptoms, long-term use can cause some harmful side effects. Once the acute phase of blepharitis is overcome (after several weeks), milder medications may be helpful in controlling the eyelid inflammation. However, medications alone are not sufficient; the daily cleansing routine described below is essential.

    Daily Cleansing Routine

    Blepharitis can be controlled through a careful, regular program of hygiene. This may include warm compresses (warm washcloth, microwave or electronic heat masks) and lid scrubs (mild soaps like dilute baby shampoo or specially products formulated for the eyelid).  Note: Always consult your ophthalmologist before beginning a course of treatment.

    Cleansing materials
    • A concave or "cosmetic" mirror (available in most drug stores)
    • Cotton balls, a clean washcloth, or commercial lint-free pads
    • Cotton-tipped applicators ("Q-tips")
    • A mild "no tears" baby shampoo or a commercial eyelid cleansing solution
    • A small, clean glass or jar
         Cleansing routine

    The cleansing routine below should be followed at least twice a day at first; perhaps less often as the condition improves.

    • Take the clean washcloth and wet it with warm (not boiling) water. Wring it out and place it over the closed eyelids for 5 minutes. This will help to soften the crust and loosen the oily debris. Rewet as necessary to maintain the desired temperature.
    • If you are not using one of the ready-made eyelid cleansing solutions, prepare your own by filling the small glass or jar with 2 to 3 ounces of warm water and adding 3 drops of baby shampoo.
    • Moisten a cotton ball, clean cloth, or lint-free pad in the commercial cleansing solution or the one you have prepared. Pull down the lower eyelid with your finger and then gently massage the area along the eyelashes for 15 to 30 seconds. Then close the eyes and massage the upper eyelids at the base of the eyelashes for 15 to 30 seconds. Your eyes should not be squeezed tightly shut but closed softly as if you were sleeping.
    • Looking into the magnifying mirror, use a Q-tip moistened in the cleansing solution to gently brush the scales away from the eyelids. You can brush either in a horizontal or vertical direction, as long as the granular debris trapped in the eyelashes is effectively loosened and removed. This procedure should take approximately 30 seconds for each eyelid. Alternatively, lid scrubs can be performed with a warm washcloth in a similar fashion while showering.
    • Thoroughly rinse your eyes with cool clean water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Discard any cleansing solution left in the small glass and rinse it clean. If you have been prescribed medication, you should apply it to the eyes and/or eyelids along the lashes, following your ophthalmologist's instructions.

    Locations
    • Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataract Surgery Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Floor 1
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Canton Health Center 1051 N Canton Center Rd
      Canton, MI 48187-5097       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Chelsea Health Center 14700 E Old US Highway 12
      Floor 1
      Chelsea, MI 48118-1185       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza 380 Parkland Plaza Ste 210
      Floor 2
      Ann Arbor, MI 48103-6201       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor

    Jill Elizabeth Bixler, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

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    Julia Dalia, M.D.

    Julia Dalia, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Joshua Robert Ehrlich, MD

    Joshua Robert Ehrlich, MD, MPH

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Angela Elam, MD

    Angela Renee Elam, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics Ophthalmology

    Charles R. Frank

    Charles Ross Frank, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Sarah Jayne Garnai, MD

    Sarah Jayne Garnai, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Sean Hansen, MD

    Sean Owen Hansen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Vanitha Isaac Jeyaraj, MD

    Vanitha Isaac Jeyaraj, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Ariane Dev Kaplan, MD

    Ariane Dev Kaplan, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

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