What is blepharitis?
There are three main types of blepharitis:
- Anterior blepharitis – where inflammation affects the skin around the base of your eyelashes
- Posterior blepharitis – where inflammation affects your Meibomian glands, found along the eyelid margins behind the base of the eyelashes
- Mixed blepharitis – a combination of both anterior and posterior.
The type of treatment you will receive will depend on the type and severity of your case.
Blepharitis is a common condition that results in inflammation affecting the eyelids and eyelashes. Symptoms of blepharitis include redness, irritation, crusting, and a dry or sandy feeling in the eyes and eyelids.
In most cases, this condition does not cause damage to one’s vision. Typical causes of this condition include bacterial infections, allergic reactions, excessive oil production by glands in the eyelid, or poor eyelid hygiene. If you are experiencing symptoms of Blepharitis, contact your eye care professional to schedule an eye examination.
Eye Trauma
Eye trauma refers to damage or injury to the eye such as a direct blow. There are many different forms of trauma, varying in severity from minor injuries to medical emergencies.
Treatment options
Blepharitis is usually a long-term condition. Most people experience repeated episodes, separated by periods without symptoms. Daily eyelid-cleaning routines can help control the symptoms and prevent permanent scarring of the eyelid margins.
There are three main steps to eyelid hygiene that should be performed once or twice a day:
- using a warm compress – to make the oil produced by the glands around your eyes more runny
- gently massaging your eyelids – to push the oils out of the glands
- cleaning your eyelids – to wipe away any excess oil and remove any crusts, bacteria, dust or grime that might have built up.
More severe cases may require antibiotics which are either applied to the eye or eyelid directly or taken as tablets.
In terms of eye trauma, treatment depends on the type and severity of the incident which took place. If you have a serious eye injury you should seek immediate medical attention. With most cases of eye trauma you will be asked how the injury happened, your vision and eye movements will be checked, and the eye will then be examined to determine how severe the injury is.
Important Information
Blepharitis isn’t usually serious, although it can lead to a number of further problems. For example, many people with blepharitis also develop dry eye syndrome, where the eyes do not produce enough tears or dry out too quickly. This can cause your eyes to feel dry, gritty and sore. Serious, sight-threatening problems are rare, particularly if any complications that develop are identified and treated quickly.
The very best patient care and comfort
Our experienced ophthalmic surgeons will be with you every step of the way; and for peace of mind will give you their personal mobile numbers so you have professional support 24/7 after your treatment.
Make an appointment today
Exeter Eye is a specialist ophthalmic eye clinic treating all eye conditions and offering the very best in patient care and comfort. We always ensure we fully understand your condition and lifestyle before identifying your treatment options and then help you choose the best one for you.
For more information or to make an appointment with one of our eye specialists today simply fill out an enquiry form or call Exeter Eye on 01392 699969.
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