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The Basics - Blepharitis Treatments
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. There are different causes/types of the inflammation detailed below but all generally create symptoms like excessive tearing, eyelid flaking, lash crusting and eye irritation.
Blepharitis is usually bilateral (both eyes lids) and it is common to have multiple concurrent causes.
Conditions like dry-eye, styes, acne rosacea and lash problems often occur along with blepharitis so treatments can be multifaceted. Blepharitis is not precisely an infection of the lids but rather the lid response (that could be fueled by an infection). It is often chronic and requires ongoing maintenance level treatment once under control. Even if under control, several flare-ups (requiring more aggressive intervention) throughout a year are common.
The following is a simplified guide to the types of blepharitis. See your eye care professional to help diagnose your situation. The following is not medical advice but general information how our clinic categories and treats blepharitis.
1] Seborrheic Blepharitis:
Eyelid skin flakes causing itchiness and eye irritation. No discharge and generally not sticky in the morning.
Common approach to management:
EARLY: Increased diligence of lid care. Use mild baby shampoo or wipes such as Blephaclean, Lid 'n Lash or Naclino on lids and lashes daily. Use eye drops such as HYLO DUAL at least twice per day.
ADVANCED: Use wipes and drops as detailed above and add Hypochlorous spray twice daily.
MAINTENANCE: Use Hypochlorous spray daily + Use Blephaderm eye safe moisturizer every morning
2] Bacterial Blepharitis:
Infection causing inflammation – usually responds to standard treatment and/or antibiotics. Important to see your eye care professional!
EARLY: Increased diligence of lid care. Use Hypochlorous spray twice daily to lids and lashes daily. Use eye drops such as HYLO DUAL at least twice per day.
ADVANCED: Clean lids and lashes with Blephaclean medicated pads and leave on (do not wash of with water). Use once or twice daily depending on severity/need.
ADVANCED PLUS+: Topical and/or oral antibiotics are required to clear the bacterial infection (prescription required). The decision to prescribe these medications is generally considered only after other forms of treatment are tried.
MAINTENANCE: Use Blephagel 3-4 times per week. Blephagel is effective and is not a steroid. Use a hypochlorous spray throughout the day.
3] Demodex Blepharitis:
Infection by Demodex mite of lash roots causing lid margin irritation – does not respond to antibiotics
(No early stage)
ADVANCED: Recommended treatment is daily Tea tree oil lid care pads or foam. I recommend Lid 'n Lash Plus or Blephadex. Warning – tea tree treatment oil is very intense. Follow treatment instructions exactly and completely to avoid discomfort. Blephadex adds coconut oil to minimize treatment irritation.
MAINTENANCE Use Zocular or Blephadex 2-3 times per week.
4] Meibomian Blepharitis (MGD – Meibomian Gland Dysfunction):
Clogged oil glands along lid margins causing irritation, dry-eye, chalazion and styes.
Treatment of meibomian blepharitis is the same as “Lipid Deficiency” dry eye. Please refer to lipid dry eye information for our treatment protocol. (Drops and Omega 3 use)
5] Rosacea Blepharitis:
Associated with Acne Rosacea skin condition. Causes dry eye and ocular irritation.
Rosacea Blepharitis treatment can be complex. Typically, a combination of Meibomian and Demodex Blepharitis treatments are used. Rosacea is also often currently treated with oral tetracycline-type oral medications. Options should be discussed with you eye care professional.
All treatments for Blepharitis are easy to forget when things are feeling better. Try and stick with a maintence level of treatment. Blepharitis is chronic and symptoms will ultimately return when treatment is ceased.
When you find something that works with your Optometrist... Stick with it!
All forms of Blepharitis respond to the positive antimicrobial, cleaning and refreshing benefits of Hypochlorous Spray. Use regularly throughout the day for fast relief and positive therapeutic benefit.
Continue reading more Blepharitis information from mEYEspa
More Information on Blepharitis: All About Vision
https://www.meyespa.com/pages/author-dr-jason-morris
Away from corporate influences and their churn, I believe in time and an unhurried environment. At mEYEspa and my clinic, we are UNcorporate Optometry. I have special interest in occupational vision needs, concussive injury to the visual system and dry eye management. I am the owner of mEYEspa and a dedicated to the delivery of relevant information and clinic-tested eye care products. -Doctor of Optometry - University of Waterloo 1994 -Honors Bachelor of Science – Waterloo 1994 -Registered Ontario College of Optometrists -Member of Ontario Association of Optometrists -Member of Canadian Association of Optometrists -10 year straight winner of 3 Best Rated Optometrists London ON
