WHEN YOUR EYELIDS ARE INFLAMED — BLEPHARITIS

WHEN YOUR EYELIDS ARE INFLAMED — BLEPHARITIS When your eyelids are red, itchy, and even swollen, it’s standard first to think you’re just having a little hay-fever or have come across some pet dander. But that’s not usually what’s behind the problem. More likely it’s blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids.

Dr. Shams can get you on a treatment regimen that ends the often-recurring condition.

What causes blepharitis?

Allergies can be behind blepharitis, but as they aren’t usually chronic, it usually is due to one of more of these factors: •An excess growth of bacteria that normally is found on the skin •A blocked oil gland on your eyelid •A hormone imbalance •Poor eyelid hygiene •Acne •Seborrheic dermatitis

•Rosacea

What are the symptoms of blepharitis?

These are the symptoms of this chronic eyelid inflammation: •Red or swollen eyes •Red or swollen eyelids •Blurry vision •Frequent tearing of the eyes •Sensitivity to light •Burning sensation in the eyes •Eyelids that are crusty, flaky, or scaly •A feeling like something is in your eye

How Dr. Shams diagnoses blepharitis Dr. Shams has experience diagnosing and treating blepharitis. She diagnoses it by evaluating the margins of the eye, the eyelashes, and the oil glands. She’ll test the eye pressure. And she’ll examine the entire eye, and consider medical history of past inflammation.

Treating blepharitis There isn’t a cure for blepharitis, and the condition tends to recur in certain patients. Often, the condition can be controlled with the proper hygiene of the eyelids. This will include thorough, but gentle cleaning of the eyelids, face, and scalp regularly. Warm compresses can help loosen crust that has formed, and baby shampoo can be used to keep the eyelids clean. If an infection is present, Dr. Shams will prescribe antibiotics to control it.