Inflammation of the eyelids

Inflammation of the eyelids is known as blepharitis. The margins of the eye lids are inflamed, causing redness and itching of the eye lids. This problem recurs after intervals and is the leading cause of recurrent pink eye in elderly people.{{more}} Often times this condition mimics Dry Eyes because of the sensation it causes under the person’s eye lids.

There are two types of blepharitis – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. The former affects the front part of the lids, near the lashes. It is caused either by the Staphylococcus bacteria or a condition similar to dandruff, known as seborrheic dermatitis. The back of the lids is affected by the latter, and this affected area is actually what makes contact with the eye. The oil glands present in the area are the causal factors. Posterior blepharitis is more common than anterior blepharitis.

The primary treatment for blepharitis consists of a daily lid margin hygiene. Blepharitis is oftentimes a life long condition. The routine is fairly simple and consists of applying warm and wet compresses to the eye lid margin, using non burning shampoo on a cotton tip to rub against the eye lid margins. This helps to get rid of unwanted debris. Once the margin is clean, a little antibiotic ophthalmic ointment prescribed by your doctor should be applied along the fissure of the lid with the eyes kept closed. Do this before you go to bed as this tends to give you blurry vision. This routine can be followed quite easily using a mirror. However, physically challenged may lack the motor skills to follow it.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us.

Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com
Tel: 784 456-1210