Blepharitis

Symptoms

• Do you have sore uncomfortable eyes?
• Do you have sore lids?
• Do you have a lot of crust on your eye lashes?
• Do your eyes water excessively?Then you probably have BLEPHARITIS.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is inflammation and crusting of the eyelids. It is extremely common in the western world and can be controlled by simple measures.

What is the mechanism behind it?

The healthy eyelids have special glands that release oily secretion to help keep the skin supple and helps to prevent dry eyes. These glands are located at the bases of the eyelashes. In some cases, these glands begin to make very thick secretions that do not flow freely from the eyelids. These secretions then deposit on the eyelids, dry out into flakes and bacteria start growing on them. The effect of which is inflammation of the eyelids, irritation and watering of the eyes from the flakes and recurrent conjunctivitis from the bacteria.

How do I cure it?

There is no cure to this condition. But can be controlled very well by very simple measures at hand. The following steps may be undertaken:

• Moisten the lids with warm water first.
  
• Make a weak solution of “Baby Shampoo” in warm water.
  
• Use a Cotton Wool Bud dipped in the shampoo solution and brush the lids at the bases of the eyelashes.
  
• Repeat the process on all upper and lower lids.
  
• This should be undertaken daily initially.
  
• Once the condition is under control then once or twice weekly cleaning will keep it under control.

With this process all symptoms should resolve and the eyelids will become quiet and pain-free.