TOPIC Covered:  Types and Typical Treatments for Blepharitis (Eye Lid Inflammation)

Blepharitis is mouthful of a word and really just means inflammation of the eyelids.  Understanding the underlying cause of the inflammation is key to improving the chronic irritation, itchiness and dryness that brings people into our clinic everyday.

Blepharitis is usually both lids and it is common to have multiple concurrent causes.   

Lid 'n lash Wipes

Blepharitis is not always an infection of the lids but rather the lid response (that could be to 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.

This is a except from a guide on mEYEspa.com that details the different kinds of blepharitis.  You will need to see your eye care professional to determine which kind of lid issue you have and that will help better define the appropriate treatment...

Type 1: Seborrheic Blepharitis: Lids flake causing itchiness and eye irritation/tearing as material gets into eyes

Typical Treatment:

EARLY: Increased diligence of lid care.  Use baby shampoo on lids and lashes daily.  Use eye drops such as HYLO DUAL at least 2X per day.   

ADVANCED:  Add Lid n' Lash cleaner/skin conditioner to lids and lashes nightly. 

MAINTENANCE: Use Blephagel 2-3 times per week.  Blephagel is effective and is not a steroid.   Use a hypochlorous spray throughout the day.

 

Type 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 baby shampoo on lids and lashes daily.  Use eye drops such as HYLO DUAL at least 2X per day.   

ADVANCED: Clean lids and lashes with Blephaclean medicated pads.  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.

 

Type 3: Demodex Blepharitis: Infection 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 Las 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 Blephadex or Zocular Wipes 2-3 times per week.

 

Type 4: Meibomian Blepharitis (MGD – Meibomian Gland Dysfunction): Clogged oil glands along lid margins causing irritation and dry-eye


Treatment of meibomian blepharitis is the same as “Lipid Deficiency” dry eye.  Please refer to dry eye information for our treatment protocol.

 

Type 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.     We find it very help to use hypochlorous spray throughout the day.

Zocuwipes

RELATED TOPICS:  Lid Care 101mEYEGuide - Blepharitis

Tags: Blepharitis