by Administrator
21. June 2011 10:52
Blepharitis is a medical term used for the inflammation of the eyelids. Just like skin eczema, the inflammation causes red and scaly eyelids. You may feel your eyes to be gritty or tired and uncomfortable in smoky areas and sunlight. The base of the eyelids may also appear to be scaly. Due to rough scales, there may be crusts formed in the eye surface that causes the eyelids to stick together on awakening. If this scab falls in the eye, you may feel that there is something in your eye.
Symptoms
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Burning sensation and pain in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Greasy eyelids
- Swollen and red eyelids
- Itchy eyelids
- Peeling of the skin near the eye
- Crusted eyelashes on waking up
- Abnormal and misdirected growth of eyelashes
- Loss of eyelashes
- Light sensitivity
Causes
- Increased flaking of skin cells close to the eyelids
- Rosacea- a skin condition causing redness of the face
- Smoke, dust and other allergic substances like eye makeup or contact lens
- Staphylococci bacteria or other micro organisms
- Infectious discharge from ulcers
- Malfunctioning of the oil glands in the eyelids
- Dandruff in the eyebrows and scalp- seborrheic dermatitis
- Ticks in the eyelashes
Treatment
- Blepharitis is incurable. However, with good eyelid hygiene, it can be controlled. If it is not treated at the right time, blepharitis can grow into a more severe form causing injury or scarring of the eye tissue. Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until your eyes are absolutely fine. Proper eyelid care is very important.
- Wet a clean wash cloth in warm water and rinse it. Close your eyes and place the wet wash cloth over your eyelids for some minutes. This will help to loosen the oily debris and soften the crust.
- Clean the margins of the eyelids using a cotton swab moisturized with dilute baby shampoo or body wash in the morning as well as before going to bed.
For any information on eyecare, please contact Killeen Eyecare Center at 254-634-7805.
Eye Doctor Fort Hood - Optometrist Fort Hood