What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis commonly occurs when the tiny oil glands of the inner eyelid become inflamed. It often occurs along with other skin conditions or allergies. It is a chronic condition, but is not contagious and usually affects both eyes. If not treated, it can lead to infection.
What causes blepharitis?
Blepharitis commonly occurs when the tiny oil glands of the inner eyelid become inflamed. It often occurs along with other skin conditions or allergies. It is a chronic condition, but is not contagious and usually affects both eyes. If not treated, it can lead to infection.
Types of blepharitis
There are 2 types of blepharitis. You may have 1 type of blepharitis, or you may have both types at the same time:
Anterior blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of your eye, where your eyelashes attach to your eyelid. It usually happens because of bacteria on your skin or dandruff from your scalp or eyebrows. Allergies or mites (tiny parasites) may also cause anterior blepharitis, but this is rare.
Posterior blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis affects the outside of the inner edge of the eyelid — the part that touches your eye. This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Common skin conditions like rosacea and scalp dandruff can cause posterior blepharitis.
Anterior blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis affects the outside of your eye, where your eyelashes attach to your eyelid. It usually happens because of bacteria on your skin or dandruff from your scalp or eyebrows. Allergies or mites (tiny parasites) may also cause anterior blepharitis, but this is rare.
Posterior blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis affects the outside of the inner edge of the eyelid — the part that touches your eye. This type of blepharitis happens when the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Common skin conditions like rosacea and scalp dandruff can cause posterior blepharitis.
Treatment for blepharitis
The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean and free of crusts. Use water and a gentle cleanser (like baby shampoo) to clean your eyelids and remove crusts every day.
There are other treatment options that may help you manage blepharitis. Ask your trusted Spec-Savers optometrist if any of these options are right for you:
Your Spec-Savers optometrist may prescribe steroid eye drops to control redness, swelling, and irritation.
Medicines that fight infection
If your blepharitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or pills.
Treating other health problem
If another health problem like rosacea or dandruff is causing your blepharitis, treating that condition will help.
