Blepharitis (cont.)
What is the treatment for blepharitis?
In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine can control
blepharitis. This includes frequent scalp and face washing, using warm
compresses to soak the eyelids, and doing eyelid scrubs.
The single most important treatment principle is a daily routine of lid
margin hygiene. The following is a typical lid margin hygiene routine:
- Soften lid margin debris and oils: Apply a warm wet compress to the
lids -- such as a washcloth with hot water -- for five
to 10 minutes two to four times a day,
depending on the degree of symptoms. If you want to keep the compresses warm for
a longer period of time, you may want to place a small hot water bottle over the
compress. Using a clean washcloth for each cleansing is important.
- Mechanically remove lid margin debris: After using the compresses,
cleanse the eyelids with a cotton applicator stick soaked in a 4 to 1 mixture of
water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid-cleansing product. Gently and
repeatedly rub along the lid margins while the eyes are closed. Be careful to
avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes.
Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup when treating blepharitis is often
recommended, as its use will make lid hygiene more difficult.
If you wear contact lenses, you may have to temporarily discontinue wearing
them during treatment.
Other treatment depends on the specific type of blepharitis. The key to
treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.
If you have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo may help alleviate your
symptoms.
In cases where a bacterial infection is the cause, various antibiotic drops
or ointment and other medications may be prescribed along with eyelid hygiene.
Depending on the degree of inflammation of the lid margin, a combination of
topical antibiotic and steroid drops or ointments can be prescribed by your
physician.
If the blepharitis is thought to be secondary to acne rosacea, treatment with
oral doxycycline might be prescribed together with the above lid-margin hygiene
routine.
If the blepharitis is due to allergy, efforts should be made to identify and
reduce the exposure to the offending agent. Prescription and over-the-counter
drop or oral antihistamines may be used. If it is caused by an allergy at home
or at work, simply avoiding the allergen (for example, a dog or cat) may avoid
future problems.
Recently, there has been some evidence that oral omega-3 fatty acids may be
helpful in the treatment of blepharitis.
Next: What is the prognosis for blepharitis? »
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Read about Staph infection symptoms, signs (boils, rash), causes (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), types, treatment (antibiotics) and complications (impetigo, cellulitis).
- Over-The-Counter Products -
Latest Medical News
Eyesight RSS