Authored by: OCC LASIK
Do you have itchy eyes and swollen eyelids? Do you wake up in the morning with crusty, flaky eyes? It could be caused by a number of issues, such as allergies, contact lenses, eye makeup which is due to be replaced, or dry eyes. It could also be any combination of those things. If this condition persists and becomes a problem for you, consult a specialist for a complete examination to determine the cause. It could very well be Blepharitis.
Blepharitis is quite common in both men and women. According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Blepharitis is a common and ongoing condition where the eyelids become inflamed and swollen from oily particles and bacteria coating the eyelid margins near the base of the eyelashes. Oils normally secreted by the eyelids build up on the lid margins and lashes resulting in irritation and redness. It is associated with a bacterial eye infection, dry eyes and sometimes acne rosacea. Other symptoms include excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eyelids, and crusty eyelashes after sleep.
The easiest and best way to prevent the onset of Blepharitis, and to prevent it from spreading, is a regular face and eyelid hygiene regimen. We have bacteria all over our skin surface but it can thrive especially in the eye area near the base of our eyelashes and margins. Although this condition can be found in both men and women, the use of eye makeup like mascara, eye liner and shadows by women create a situation where the bacteria can spread if the makeup is not removed thoroughly each day.
Men may wash their faces every day, but some men neglect to focus on the eye area. Although the condition seems to be more prevalent in women, men can suffer from this as well.
In some cases, Blepharitis is a frequent component of rosacea. The following steps can aid in the prevention and treatment of Blepharitis:
- Always keep your hands and face clean and avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Remove all eye makeup thoroughly each and every night.
- Change your eye makeup products regularly and never use someone else’s makeup.
- Occasionally use a combination of baby shampoo with a little water to clean your upper and lower lids and lashes. There are now some excellent over the counter lid scrubs as well.
- Warm compresses can also assist in keeping those lids clean. Be sure the washcloth is clean before each use. Five minutes on each eye is optimal.
In some cases, OCC LASIK may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to treat the condition. If you suspect you may be suffering from Blepharitis, please contact our office and make an appointment for a thorough exam.