At Eyes to See, we specialize in the treatment of eye conditions in children. One condition we see a lot is blepharitis. Due to its prevalence, we want to help parents whose children have been diagnosed with blepharitis to gain a deeper understanding of it. Read on to learn about what blepharitis is, how it’s diagnosed, and what we can do to treat it.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. Usually, both eyelids are affected.
Causes of Blepharitis
Most cases of blepharitis are caused by an excess of bacteria on the eyelids– particularly at the bases of the eyelashes. Blepharitis can also be caused by clogged or irritated oil glands in the eyelids, or other pre-existing conditions.
Types of Blepharitis
There are 2 kinds of blepharitis:
Anterior Blepharitis: this occurs on the outer surface of the eyelids, particularly around where the eyelashes are attached.
Posterior Blepharitis: this occurs on the inner rim of the eyelid, which touches the eye.
Some people may only have one type of blepharitis, while others may have both.
What puts someone at Risk for Blepharitis?
The risk of having blepharitis is higher for those who have:
Oily skin
Dandruff (flaky patches of skin on the face or scalp)
Allergies that affect the eyes or eyelashes
Rosacea (a skin condition characterized by redness and bumps on the face)
The Symptoms of Blepharitis
Common symptoms experienced by those with blepharitis are:
Eyelids that are swollen, itchy, red, and/or irritated
Crusty eyelids or eyelashes (particularly in the morning when first waking up)
Itchy, dry, watery, swollen, and/or red eyes
Light-Sensitivity
Feeling like there’s something in the eye
A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
Foamy or bubbly tears
More severe symptoms of blepharitis are:
Blurred vision
Eyelashes that fall out and/or grow in the wrong direction
Swelling in other parts of the eye
While blepharitis can be uncomfortable, it’s important to note that it doesn’t usually cause lasting damage to the eyes and it’s not contagious.
How do Doctors Diagnose Blepharitis?
If your eye doctor suspects that you have blepharitis, they may perform a physical eye exam, in which they take a close look at your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes using a bright light and/or a magnifying tool. Your eye doctor may also choose to refer you to a specialist or ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.
How is Blepharitis Treated?
Blepharitis doesn’t normally resolve completely; however, steps can be taken to manage its symptoms. We recommend cleaning the eyelids regularly to keep them free from bacteria and crusts (this can be done with warm water, a washcloth, and a gentle soap), doing warm compresses on the eyelids (always use water that is warmer than room temperature but cool enough to avoid burning the eyelids), and taking flaxseed oil (which is available for purchase at our office, as well as most health-food stores).
Summary
In summary, blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. It can be caused by an excess of bacteria on the eyelids, clogged or irritated oil glands, or pre-existing conditions. There are two types of blepharitis (anterior and posterior) and while some people only have one of the two types, others have both. Those who have rosacea, dandruff, oily skin, or allergies that affect the eyes are more likely to develop blepharitis than others. Blepharitis has some uncomfortable symptoms, but it isn’t contagious and normally doesn’t cause severe, long-term damage to the eyes or eyelids. Your eye doctor may check for blepharitis at their office if they have the resources to do so. They may also choose to refer you to a specialist for further treatment and/or evaluation. While blepharitis doesn’t usually go away completely, there are a few methods by which you can manage your symptoms such as washing the eyelids regularly, doing warm compresses, and taking an omega-3 flaxseed oil supplement.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this post informative. We understand it may be concerning to hear that there are issues with your child’s eyes, and we want to help. If you suspect that your child has blepharitis, give us a call at 616-796-9995, and we’ll gladly assist you with any questions you may have as well as with setting up an appointment.
コメント