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Dr. Edward Boshnick |
A Word About KeratoconusBlepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids which causes irritation, thickening, redness, styes, itching and occasionally a red eye. The eyelids are composed of skin on the outside and mucous membranes on the inside. A cartilage-like plate, muscles, and glands are sandwiched in between. Blepharitis can begin in early childhood producing “granulated eyelids,” and may continue throughout life as a chronic condition or it may develop later in life. The origin of the problem stems from the gradual accumulation of oil at the lid/lash border. The lid border is the only part of the body that is never cleaned, as ordinary soap is very toxic to the sensitive mucous membranes of the eye. The gradual buildup of excessive oily debris sets up an environment for bacterial overgrowth. The bacteria, bacterial proteins, and oily debris are the responsible agents for chronic belpharitis. It may appear in one of two ways: SEBORRHEIC BLEPHARITIS It is characterized by redness of the lids, scales, and flaking around the eyelashes. It is often associated with dandruff of the scalp. ULCERATIVE BLEPHARITIS It is usually a more severe condition caused by bacteria and is characterized by matted hard crusts around the eyelashes which upon removal, leave small ulcers that may bleed or ooze. The white part of the eye may turn red. In severe cases, the cornea (the clear front window or the eye) may become inflamed, leaving residual scars. There may be a loss of eyelashes, misdirected eyelash and distortion of the margins of the eyelids, loss of the oil producing mebomian glands of the lids can alter the normal balance of the tear film components leading to excessive mucous, improper lubrication and excessive reflex tearing. Thankfully, most patients only suffer mild symptoms of burning, itching, occasional foreign body sensations (whenever a hard flake of dried oil falls into the eye) and occasional redness. These symptoms are relieved by the following cleaning regiment, but will reoccur when discontinued. HOW BLEPHARITIS IS TREATED In view of the long-term nature of the condition, strict lid hygiene is necessary. The following daily regimen usually gives relief of symptoms after one week or two weeks. Take a clean rinsed medium grade washcloth and wrap around index (second) finger. 1. Add Eye-Scrub to wash cloth at tip of finger. 2. Gently scrub brow, upper lid, upper lid margin, lower lid margin, and lower lid. 3. Rinse with warm tap water. 4. Gently dry with clean towel. 5. Keep Eye-Scrub bottle in convenient area as a daily reminder. Most patients find it practical to perform their lid scrubs as part of their daily regimen while taking a shower. Treatment of oily scalp with anti-dandruff shampoos may also be helpful. In more sever cases, various antibiotics and even cortisone preparations may be necessary to alleviate the condition. Once the acute phase is controlled, lid hygiene, as directed above, may be sufficient to maintain control of blepharitis. While cortisone preparations often hasten relief of symptoms long-term use can cause side effects. Some susceptible individuals may develop progression of cataracts, glaucoma, or vial infections from prolonged steroid use. WHY REGULAR MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS ARE IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE Eye disease can strike at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has done damage. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular eye examinations by your optometrist are very important. |
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