Blepharitis FAQs

Problems with your eye health can impact the quality of your sight. Eye conditions like blepharitis can irritate your eyes and cause you to constantly scratch or rub them, which will leave your eyes red, sore, and swollen. These FAQs from the office of Dr. H. Arnold Papernick OD in Mt Pleasant, PA, explain more about blepharitis and how you can deal with its symptoms.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes crusty eyelashes and inflamed eyelids. The condition itself will not impair your vision, but you may rub or scratch your eyes so much that it blurs your vision. Constant scratching can even damage the cornea of your eye. It is best to contact your eye doctor for a clear diagnosis of your condition whenever you have problems with your eyes and vision.

What Causes Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can occur when the oil glands at the base of your eyelashes become clogged. This causes your eyelids to become irritated and inflamed. Anyone can suffer from this condition. The following factors can increase your risk of developing this problem:

•             bacterial or fungal eyelid infections

•             allergies to eye medications, eye makeup, or contact lens solutions

•             dry eyes

•             the skin condition rosacea

•             dandruff on your eyelashes or eyelids, otherwise known as seborrheic dermatitis

•             eyelash lice or mites

What Are Some Symptoms of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis can cause the following:

•             red and watery eyes

•             itchiness

•             inflamed eyelids

•             a burning sensation around your eyes

•             crusty eyelids and eyelashes when you wake up

A visit to our optometrist can determine if you have this condition.

How Is Blepharitis Treated?

There are multiple ways to deal with blepharitis. A warm compress placed over your eyes can help relieve symptoms in mild cases. Ways to handle more serious cases include:

•             antibiotic cream, ointment, or drops to treat bacterial infections

•             medicated eye drops to reduce the inflammation and manage other symptoms

•             eyelid scrubs to gently massage your eyelids to unclog eye glands

Keeping your face and eyes clean and free of infections is important to avoid reoccurring problems with this condition.

See Your Mt. Pleasant, PA, Optometrist for Blepharitis Treatment

Blepharitis can be an extremely irritating experience, so contact Dr. H. Arnold Papernick OD in Mt. Pleasant, PA, and get the eye care you need to feel like yourself again. Call us at (724) 547-5711 and schedule an appointment today.