Blepharitis Information Sheet - Dr Michelle Baker

Blepharitis overview © Michelle Baker This overview provides general information related to Blepharitis and does not take into account your personal circumstances

BLEPHARITIS INFORMATION SHEET

Blepharitis

TABLE OF CONTENTS What Is Blepharitis?

What Causes Blepharitis?

Two Types Of Blepharitis What Are The Symptoms?

How Is Blepharitis Diagnosed?

What Is The Treatment For Blepharitis?

Home Care Medical Care How Can I Prevent Blepharitis?

Where Can I Get More Information On Blepharitis?

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Blepharitis

WHAT IS BLEPHARITIS? How can I get more information on Blepharitis?

1. From your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) - Ask me!

2. Your optometrist or family doctor 3. RANZCO Blepharitis

Information 4. Blepharitis Clinical Update 5. AAO Blepharitis PPP Guidelines

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids which usually affects both eyes. It is a very common condition which can affect people of all ages. The condition is not usually contagious, and generally does not cause any permanent damage to vision.

WHAT CAUSES BLEPHARITIS? The exact cause of blepharitis is unknown. Blepharitis can be caused by an infection from the bacteria called Staphylococcus. It can also be associated with other skin conditions such as ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction.

TWO TYPES OF BLEPHARITIS 1. Anterior blepharitis occurs on the outer or front edge, where the eyelashes attach. This is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). Uncommonly it may also be caused from allergies or a mite infestation of the eyelashes.

2. Posterior blepharitis occurs on the inner edge of the eyelid, near the eye. This type can occur when the Meibomian glands on the eyelid margin produce excess oil, called meibomian gland dysfunction, creating a warm environment for bacterial growth. It can also develop as a result of other skin conditions e.g. ocular rosacea.

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Blepharitis

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? • • • •

Sensation of something in the eye Sandy, itchy eyes Excessive tears Sensitivity to light

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Crusty/sticky eyelashes, particularly in the morning

• Redness and thickening of the eyelids • Dry eyes • Blurred vision • Some patients have no symptoms at all • In severe cases, blepharitis can cause styes, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), misdirected eyelashes

HOW IS BLEPHARITIS DIAGNOSED? Blepharitis is detected during a routine examination of the eyelids and eyelashes using a slit lamp microscope. The appearance of the eyelid margin determines the type of blepharitis.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BLEPHARITIS? HOME CARE

The key to controlling blepharitis is long-term eye care to keep the eyelids and eyelashes clean.

• Begin by washing your hands with hot, soapy water.

• “Can’t beat heat” - application of a hot clean wash cloth to your eyelid margin for several minutes to loosen the skin crusts.

• Eyelid scrub - With both eyelids tightly closed, gently scrub your eyelid margin using a commercially available eyelash shampoo e.g. Sterilid. It can be performed with eyelash shampoo on your fingertips or on a cotton bud and rubbed along your eyelid margin. Afterward, rinse your eyelids thoroughly with warm water.

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Blepharitis

• Eyelid compression - gentle eyelid compression as expression of the meibomian glands on the eyelid margin is important to maintain oil flow • Facial cleansing – wash your face daily in the shower or bath with a cream-based facial cleanser.

Afterward, rinse your eye lids and face thoroughly with warm water. A facial cleanser can be purchased from a pharmacy or department store.

The cleaning routine should be carried out once or twice daily with the eyelid scrub until the inflammation is controlled.

Maintenance can then be performed about twice weekly.

Ongoing daily facial cleansing is life-long.

MEDICAL CARE

In some cases, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops or ointments or tablets are necessary for flare-ups or more severe cases. Omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit in some patient’s due to their anti-inflammatory but more studies are needed to clarify their role.

HOW CAN I PREVENT BLEPHARITIS?

• Like dandruff, there is no cure for blepharitis; but it can be controlled.

• Treatment may take weeks or months before the condition is controlled. Blepharitis is often an ongoing condition. Symptoms may recur. Regular long-term treatment usually helps to control the symptoms.

• As symptoms recur increase the eyelid treatment with a commercially available eyelash shampoo e.g.

Sterilid • Avoid eye irritants: Eye shadow, eyeliner and other cosmetics around the eye should be discontinued during treatment.

• Contact lenses should NOT be worn until the condition is under control

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON BLEPHARITIS? 1.

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From Your Opthalmologist (eye specialist) - Ask Me Your optometrist or family doctor

RANZCO Blepharitis Information Blepharitis Clinical Update 5. AAO Blepharitis PPP Guidelines

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