Blepharitis is another condition that can often disrupt normal tear production and cause dry eye. It happens when bacteria that normally lives harmlessly on the skin and eyelashes causes an infection of the eyelid margins. This produces a crusting of the lid margins (especially when you wake up), grittiness and itchiness. If not treated, your eyelids may become red, swollen and irritated from the inflammation.
Blepharitis is a chronic condition and it cannot be cured. However it can be controlled with treatment. If this treatment is ceased it will reoccur. If you do not have treatment at all, your symptoms may continue to worsen. Treatment options include the following:
■ The most important treatment is lid hygiene which includes hot compress, lid massage and lash scrubs. This should be done once daily with clean hands, even if the symptoms are not there to reduce the chances of flare ups. The aim is to reduce inflammation and encourage healthy tears to lubricate the eye. This is achieved by softening the oils in the eyelid glands, unblocking the glands, removing any crusting, and reducing the bacterial load.
■ Lubricant eye drops (artificial tear drops).
■ A diet high in Omega 3, 6 & 9, or whole flax seed oil.
In some cases, further treatment may be required. Including:
■ Antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
■ Anti-inflammatory drops such as steroids if the condition is severe.
■ Oral antibiotics on a low dose such as doxycycline for at least 3 to 6 months.
■ Non-invasive treatments conveniently performed at your eye clinic: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
Please avoid rubbing your eyes causes more irritation and increases the need to rub. This starts a vicious cycle which needs to be broken.
Please minimize the use of make-up, face creams, moisturisers, cleansers, etc. Your skin may become dry for a couple of weeks until it regains its natural balance.
For more detailed information about Blepharitis please see the attached patient information sheet. Blepharitis handout