Blepharitis is an inflammation that occurs at the edges of both your eyelids. When a blockage happens in the minute oil glands close to the base of your eyelashes, it causes redness and irritation. Blepharitis can occur from several conditions or diseases. 

It is a chronic ailment that is hard to treat. Despite making you uncomfortable, it normally does not cause permanent impairment to your vision. One good thing is that it is not contagious.

Symptoms of Blepharitis

Most people experience worse symptoms of the infection in the morning than any other time during the day. These symptoms are:
 

• Red eyes.
   

• Red, puffy eyelids.
   

• A stinging or scorching sensation in your eyes.
   

• Moist eyes.
   

• Itchy eyelids.
   

• Crusted eyelashes.
   

• The skin around the eyes seems scaly.
   

• Greasy eyelids.
   

• Constant blinking.
   

• Sticky eyelids.
   

• Blurry vision that exacerbates the blinking.
   

• Light sensitivity.
   

• Foamy tears.
   

• Swelling of the cornea or other parts of your eye.
   

• Eyelashes that fall out or grow abnormally.

Factors That Increase Your Risk

Some factors may make it easier for you to get blepharitis. These include having rosacea, oily skin, dandruff, and any allergies that can affect your eyelashes.

Causes of Blepharitis

Some of the causes of this condition include:
 

• Viral infections.
   

• Infestation of mites.
   

• Excess bacteria.
   

• Hormonal issues.
   

• A blockage in the oil glands in your eyelids.
   

• Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and some other skin conditions.

Diagnosing Blepharitis

When diagnosing blepharitis, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms. They will do several checks to confirm the diagnosis. First, they may take a close look at the condition of your eyelids, eyelashes, and skin texture. 

They will scrutinize the edges of your eyelids and the gland openings therein. After taking a sample from your eyelids for testing, they will check if your eyes are producing enough tears. They will take a sample from your eyelids to test for the presence of bacteria.

Treatment of Blepharitis

Blepharitis has no cure. Instead, you can manage the symptoms by taking good care of your eyelids. You can start by dealing with the oily debris and crust. Do this using a warm, clean washcloth. Dip it in warm water, wring it out, close your eyes, and place the warm, wet washcloth over them for five minutes. Repeat the process while keeping the washcloth warm.

You can also clean your eyes using a solution of baby shampoo and water. Using your index finger, rub the solution on the edges of your eyelids. Do this for 30 seconds and also rub the area around your eyelashes. To unclog the oils in the glands in your eyelashes, apply light pressure with the washcloth.

Your doctor may make some additional recommendations on handling the disease depending on the cause. They can prescribe some drugs like cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, or antiviral medicine.

How to Prevent Blepharitis

Preventing blepharitis depends on your lifestyle. One major practice that you should employ regularly is keeping your eyelids as clean as possible. If you put on eye makeup, make sure you remove it all before going to bed. Avoid using makeup behind your eyelashes or on the back edges of the eyelids. Avoid makeup at all costs once you start treating blepharitis.

For more on blepharitis, visit Sacramento Eye Consultants at our office in Sacramento or Lincoln, California. You can also call (916) 915-0300 to schedule an appointment today.