Blepharitis
Blepharitis literally means 'inflamed eyelids' It can be either inflamed skin around the eyelashes or the area around the oil producing Meibomian Glands, or both.What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is where your eye lids can be inflamed – either in a localised area such as one gland or generally across the lid. The lids may also be puffy and you can feel like there is a foreign body in your eye. The eye may be red-rimmed and may look sore and angry. You might also have skin debris around the roots – similar to dandruff. Blepharitis shows some or all of the above in varying degrees. It is also the most common trigger for Dry Eye disease.
Eleanor Hill – our expert on Blepharitis
“Blepharitis is a very common condition of the eye. You are not alone as over 40% of adults will show some signs of Blepharitis. The older you are the more common it becomes. You may be more likely to have Blepharitis if you suffer from Rosacea or Eczema, it is a bit like skin dandruff.
For most patients I recommend lid cleansing. By that I mean using a solution or lid-wipe such as Blephaclean to wipe the eyelids. This removes any debris to keep the lids clean and clear. Cleansing is important every day – this is the key to healthy lids.”
Blepharitis top tips
Only use a product recommended by your Optician. Traditional remedies such as baby shampoo and bicarbonate of soda should be avoided, just as they would be in managing other sensitive skin conditions.
If you need eye surgery – for example for cataracts, it’s vital you manage Blepharitis, as poor lid hygene is the most common reason to have your surgery cancelled!
Cleansing with a recommended product such as Blephaclean can be used by all the family from age three month upwards.
It removes pollens, dust and discharge from your lids including when you have alergy symptoms or an eye infection.
Use a different wipe for each eye, to prevent any cross-contamination betweeen eyes. Or tear one wipe in half and use one half for each eye.
Blocked Glands
In our eyelids we have lots of Meibomian Glands. These glands produce oil for the tears (Meibum). It is common for these glands to get blocked – often called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a type of Dry Eye.
Our Meibomian glands produce an oily layer which covers the watery layer on the surface of the eye. When the oily layer is not working properly, it causes the watery layer to evaporate, making your eyes feel dry or even sometimes watery.
This oil or lipid is produced in the gland, but sometimes solidifies in the gland which can swell and become painful. Heating up the glands with an eyebag can help soften the oil, and then massaging the lids will help clear the blockages.
Simple steps for managing Blepharitis
Warming - use an Eyebag, heated in the microwave to apply heat to the eyelids
Gently cleanse the lids with a recommended wipe or solution on a pad
Gently massage the lids to encourage oil production
Download the information sheet on Blepharitis here
Recommended Blepharitis Products
There are a number of products our experts may recommend, according to the extent and type of your Blepharitis.
The Thea range of products include easy to use disposable wipes, solution in a bottle with pads, which are a bit cheaper, but less convenient; and Blephademodex, which we recommend for the first month of your treatment if you have a more severe case of Blepharitis
Blephaclean
These handy wipes are great for gentle cleansing of the eyelids and lashes, with no need for rinsing. Preservative, perfume and paraben-free, they can be used from the age of 3 months and are suitable for contact lens wearers.
Blephagel
This eyelid cleansing gel comes in a patented pump dispenser which is easy to use and helps to prevent contamination. Gives a refreshing, cooling sensation as it softens and soothes even the most sensitive eyelids.
Blephasol
This gentle cleansing solution is ideal for eyelids and lashes, and has been specially formulated to be kind to both skin and eyes. Blephasol is pleasant to use, with no ‘soap effect’ or stinging sensation
Blephademodex
BLEPHADEMODEX® is recommended for daily hygiene of the eyelids when there is inflammation caused by Demodex. It cleans away crusts, eyelash dandruffs, impurities mites and debris on eyelids and eyelashes that cause eyelid inflammation and is clinically proven to improve symptoms linked to Demodex infestation