The Facts On Blepharitis

Learn About Blepharitis

Just what is blepharitis? Unless you have it, you may not know. While television medical dramas have raised awareness of many obscure illnesses (and some all-too-common ones, like lupus), the ones that aren't dramatic or fatal – like blepharitis – tend to get overlooked. If you have dry eyes, though, you might be suffering from the disease.

What Is Blepharitis?
According to the National Eye Institute, blepharitis (also known as granulated eyelids) is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. There are two forms of the condition: anterior (which affects the outside of the eyelid) and posterior (which affects the moist inner eyelid, which makes contact with the eye). Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus bacteria and scalp dandruff. Posterior blepharitis develops with Acne Rosacea, as well as with dandruff.

What Are the Symptoms?
Patients with blepharitis suffer from several symptoms: light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, redness, frothy tears, excessive itching or burning and dry eye syndrome. There are several other ocular conditions associated with blepharitis, including styes and chalazion. Posterior blepharitis affects the oil produced by the Meibomian glands; these oils are an important component of the lipid layer of the tear film, which is why blepharitis sufferers usually experience dry eyes.

How Is It Treated?
Because blepharitis is usually a lifelong condition, it must be treated consistently. Treatment involves warm, wet compresses to keep the eyelids clean and crust-free. Experts also recommend scrubbing the eyelid with a mixture of warm water and 'no tears' baby shampoo and a cotton swab. In addition, patients with posterior blepharitis should also massage their eyelids to clear accumulated oil from the glands.

If blepharitis is caused by scalp dandruff or Rosacea, those conditions should be treated concurrently with the eye condition.

For severe cases of blepharitis, a physician can prescribe antibiotic or steroid eyedrops. VisiVite's Dry Eye Relief supplement can also have a stabilizing effect on the lipid layer affected by posterior blepharitis.