Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the eyelids, causing burning, itching and irritation. Cases of blepharitis can range from severe to no symptoms at all. Christine Sindt, O.D., optometrist and director of the contact lens service in the UI Hospitals and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, says nearly everyone will experience blepharitis at some point in his/her life.

The incidence seems to be higher in lighter complexioned individuals, such as people of German or Irish decent. Children can suffer from blepharitis, but it is significantly more common with increasing age, she says.

People with dandruff and rosecea are more likely to suffer from blepharitis. Old make up that is not completely removed from the eye area can aggravate this condition. Allergies also may induce a blepharitis cycle.

"Blepharitis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelid margins. This bacterium is normally present on the skin, and any condition that increases the food source or living conditions of the bacteria may induce blepharitis," Sindt says.

Symptoms of blepharitits include foreign body (gritty) feeling, sensitivity to light (photophobia), red or swollen eyelids, redness of the eye itself, blurred vision, frothy tears, inability to tolerate contact lenses, recurrent infections, dry eyes and crusting or flakes on the eye lashes.

"Blepharitis can be difficult to manage because it tends to recur," Sindt says. "Treatment involves keeping the lids clean and free of dead skin cells. Hot, wet compresses should be applied to loosen the dead skin and crusts on the lashes and lid margins. These hot compresses also will melt the oil clogging the glands at the eye lid margin. This oil is a necessary component of tears and without it tears will evaporate quickly causing the symptoms previously described."

"Washing the lids margins is extremely important, since this will wash away the excess bacteria and toxic byproducts. Some people recommend dilute baby shampoo on a wash cloth. However, this may be extremely drying to the delicate eyelid tissue. I recommend the gentle Foaming Eyelid Cleanser by Ocusoft, because it doesn't dry the skin and it doesn't damage the ocular surface if it gets into the eye. The recommended number of washes per day will vary depending on the severity of the condition, but two to three times/day works for most people," she says.

In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary. Topical antibiotics and steroids usually clear up the most annoying symptoms quickly, Sindt says, but this is a short-term treatment. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, provide a longer term treatment and treat the condition from the inside out. Doxycycline is particularly helpful in treating blepharitis caused by rosecea.

She says some doctors suggest using flax seed oil supplements (omega-3-fatty-acids) to stabilize the secretions from the glands on the eye lids. This may be helpful is treating blepharitis caused by seborreic dermatitis.

Left untreated, Sindt says, "blepharitis can cause styes, chalazia, corneal ulcers or other inflammation of the eye tissue, conjunctivitis, loss of eye lashes, scarring of the eyelids, and an overall decrease in the quality of life."

There is no "cure" for blepharitis, because the causative agent will always be on the skin. Good hygiene practices, such as washing the eyelids, generally will keep it under control.

If you think you may have blepharitis, have your eye condition evaluated by an eye care professional at UI Hospitals and Clinics since medical treatment may be necessary.

For more information:
Christine Sindt, O.D.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Troy Smith, Vice President Sales and Marketing
Phone: 800.233.5469; 281.342.3350, ext. 1143 or
Email: tsmith@ocusoft.com