Andrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
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.
Staphylococcus or Staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly by the toxins they produce. Symptoms and signs of a Staph infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage of pus. Minor skin infections are treated with an antibiotic ointment, while more serious infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or on, inside, or under the eyelid, which is the result of an acute infection of the oil glands of the eyelid. Complications of a sty can be blepharitis and chalazion.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in humans. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air created by air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions.
Chalazions are cysts that form on the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes inflamed. The meibomian glands secrete a mixture of oil and mucus (sebum) that lubricates the eye. When the gland becomes clogged, the material builds up and causes swelling.
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
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