Are you bothered by sore, gritty and dry eyes. If so, then you are most probably suffering from Blepharitis like me!
It is a very common condition among people with oily skin and dandruff. It can be troublesome and recurring with very difficult one-off cure.
I highly recommend that you should know the details about blepharitis and how to get rid of it and minimize the recurrence (based on my personal experience with 100% satisfaction).
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins. Inflammation may involve the lashes and lash follicles resulting in styes, or inflammation and blockage of meibomian glands sometimes leading to chalazion. It is typically chronic (persistent) and usually affecting both eyes.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Everyone has bacteria on their skin. Some people have this bacteria more than others at the base of eyelashes that build up and create a structure called a biofilm.
The three main types of blepharitis:
1. Staphylococcal blepharitis
2. Seborrhoeic blepharitis (dandruff)
3. Meibomian blepharitis (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction)
Apart from bacteria, there are several other possible causes of blepharitis, including:
1. Dry eyes
2. Allergies (e.g. eye makeup)
3. Fungal eyelid infection
4. Ocular rosacea (skin condition)
5. Psoriasis
6. Contact lenses
Symptoms of blepharitis?
1. Burning or stinging sensation in eyes
2. Foreign body sensation
3. Itchy and gritty eyes
4. Tiredness
5. Red swollen eyelids
6. Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
7. Sensitivity to light and hot air
Blepharitis And Dry Eyes
Blepharitis and dry eyes often occur at the same time. Dry eye is simply the late manifestation of blepharitis, and treating blepharitis also will prevent, reduce or eliminate dry eye symptoms.
The biofilm (discussed earlier) becomes a toxic environment — like the plaque that forms on your teeth. Its contents are a food source for parasitic eyelash mites (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis). The proliferation of Demodex mites increases the irritation and inflammation of the eyelids.
Bacteria in the eyelid biofilm also produce substances caused exotoxins that cause inflammation of meibomian glands in the eyelid margins. These glands normally secrete oils that are important for a healthy layer of tears on the surface of the eye. Inflammation of meibomian glands affects the quality and quantity of tears on the eye.
And because our tears contain natural antibodies, fewer tears on the eye means even more bacteria grow in the eyelid biofilm. This worsens inflammation, eventually leading to malfunction of the meibomian glands (MGD) and problems with other tear glands in and near the eyelids. These changes led to chronic dry eye discomfort.
Blepharitis Treatment
Being a patient of this debilitating disease for multiple years, i can guarantee you that there is no permanent cure for blepharitis, but that does not means that our world has come to an end and that our eyes are never going to feel the same (normal) again. The good news is that there are a number of things we can do to help control the symptoms. So based on my personal SUCCESSFUL experience below are the selfcare measures that we can take in our daily routine and get rid of the discomfort and keep it smooth all day long
Warm compresses
The purpose of warmth is to soften the skin and any crusts attached to the eyelids. It also allows the oily secretions made by the meibomian glands to flow more freely, as warmth makes oils more runny. Therefore, warmth helps to unplug any blocked glands and allow the oily secretions to flow more readily. Warmth applied to the eyelids for five to ten minutes is sufficient to do this.
The traditional method is to press on the eyelids gently with a flannel (facecloth) soaked in very warm water for 5-10 minutes. If the flannel cools, keep re-warming it in the warm water.
A popular alternative is to use a specially designed reusable heat bag which you place over your eyes for about five minutes. There are a number of such bags available, which you can buy from some opticians or online. The heat bags are warmed in a microwave. The advantage of a heat bag over a hot flannel is that the heat is retained for many minutes and so it keeps a constant warmth over the eyes. You can simply lie down and relax for five to ten minutes with the bag placed over your eyes. (A hot flannel usually cools quickly.)
Skin and eyelid hygiene
It is very important to keep your eyelids, skin and hair clean. This keeps your blepharitis symptoms under control. Carefully wash your eyelashes every day with baby shampoo. The aim is to soothe the eyelids, unplug any blocked meibomian glands and clear out any stagnant oily secretions from these glands.
High quality wipes like blephaclean which are used for cleaning the eyelids and lashes without using soap. They are safe to use and very effective in hydrating and soothing the delicate area around the eyes. It was prescribed by my ophthalmologist and ever since been my savior from blepharitis. Give it a try if you haven't used it yet cause it really works!! without any doubt!!
Artificial tear drops
Because blepharitis and dry eyes go hand in hand, it is highly recommended to use eye drops. Meibomian gland dysfunction blockage will lead to dry eyes as the won't be well lubricated. Therefore, artificial tear drops may help ease symptoms. Try over-the-counter artificial tears.
Other measures
• Visit your ophthalmologist to rule out any infection/inflammation causing blepharitis to initiate antibiotics or steroids (as needed)
• Do not rub eyelids
• Avoid eye make up and smoking
• Use dandruff shampoo if it is the contributing factor
• Avoid using computer, mobile phone, tablets etc for long hours
• Use Omega-3 fatty acids
• Have a good night sleep (works for me)