Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the medical term for inflamed eyelids. The inflammation is like eczema of the skin, with red, scaly eyelids. You may notice tired, or gritty eyes, which may be uncomfortable in sunlight or a smoky atmosphere. They may be slightly red, and feel as though there is something in them.

The eyelids have tiny glands in them, especially the lower lids. These glands make substances that mix with tears, and help the tears to spread across the eye. This thin layer of tears lubricates the eyes, stops them drying out, and keeps them comfortable. However, as you get older, and particularly if you have dry skin, these glands can block a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. As a result, the glands do not make the oils that enable the tears to spread evenly across the front of the eyes. The tears then break up, and dry patches develop on the surface of the eye. These patches make the eyes feel sore or gritty and is termed dry eye.

The correct treatment can alleviate itchy, gritty and sore eyes and eyelids.  Treatment can also help to prevent long-term damage from Blepharitis such as scarring, notching or deformity of the eye lids.

There are many treatment options to help manage blepharitis and prevent future flare-ups. Treatments we reccomend include combinations of special steam goggles, heat, massage, deep clean treatments, laser, punctal plugs,  lubricating drops and gels. Quite often we find that client's current drops or cleaning treatments that they have from the GP or bought over the counter can make symptoms worse rather than better. Some treatments only work in combination with others, so a specialist assesment and tailored prescription can work wonders.

The treatment should make your eyes more comfortable, but there is no magic cure. Even with treatment, your eyes may still have the occasional flare up, but this should be far less frequent than before treatment.