How to cure blepharitis fast
Mr Tariq Ayoub - 6 Dec 2021
Have you got red, itchy eyes? Are they swollen and irritated? You might be experiencing blepharitis.
Our blog discusses what it 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 your eye specialist for advice.
How important is diagnostics to the final outcome? Mr Tariq Ayoub explains.
We know it can be annoying as it’s hard to resist itching your eyes. Before we can recommend treatment options, you need to make sure it is blepharitis.
Our eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will need to examine your eyes to make a diagnosis. We might also do a swab of your skin to test for any allergy or bacteria present.
What causes blepharitis?
It has many causes. You may be experiencing an overgrowth of bacteria on your 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.
Whilst it’s not usually serious if it remains 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.
How to cure blepharitis fast
Depending on how it affects you, it can be treated at home or by an eye specialist.
While blepharitis is not something you can cure, it can be managed when you have a flare-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
You should be careful when handling your eyes and always wash your hands first.
If these home remedies don’t work, there are some medications and other treatments you can try. 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.
The standard treatment is BlephEx™. This acts as a cleaning process for 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.
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 both London and Birmingham for your convenience.
Mr Tariq Ayoub, our lead eye surgeon, will ask about your medical history and carry out a complete assessment of your eyes to find the best treatment option for you.
