Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids and commonly occurs when the eyes become red, greasy, crusted, and itchy. Everyone has bacteria on their skin, but some have enough to lead to Blepharitis. It is essential to keep your eyelids, skin, and hair polished to reduce the chances of contracting Blepharitis. When you notice scale-like dandruff on your inner eyelid, use baby shampoo diluted in warm water to gently clean your eyelashes.
Unfortunately you cannot cure Blepharitis, yet there are numerous ways to keep this eye condition under control.
*Wash your hands, and run a clean washcloth under warm water and wring it out until damp, then place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least one minute. Wet the washcloth as needed to keep it warm as it will loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes and keep nearby oil glands from clogging.
*Soak a clean washcloth, Q-Tip, or cliradex eye pad in baby shampoo in warm water then use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds.
*Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or Q-Tip, or cliradex eye pad and gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes, doing so right before bedtime or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might also prescribe an antibiotic medicine to take orally.
*Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling, and dry eye. Your Ophthalmologist might prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help relieve Blepharitis.
Don’t forget about your annual eye examination for early detection of eye health issues. To make an appointment, call 954-741-5555 or fill out our appointment request form here: Appointments at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute (flei.com)
