More About Those Forgotten Eyelids

by SonjaHelga on Monday, May 12th, 2008 | Comments Off

photo credit: azerpouak

Blepharitis is inflammation of your eye lids. This inflammation affects the glands that are part of these tissues. Lid infections tend to increase with age. Usually, the cause is bacterial infection. The result is red, painful lids and dry eyes.

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The single most important treatment principle is a daily routine of lid margin hygiene as described below. Such a routine needs to be convenient enough to be continued lifelong to avoid relapses as blepharitis is a lifelong condition.

A typical lid margin hygiene routine consists of 3 steps:

1. Softening of lid margin debris and oils: Apply a warm wet compress to the lids – such as a washcloth with hot water – for about 2 minutes.
2. Mechanical removal of lid margin debris: At end of shower routine, wash your face with a wash cloth. Use facial soap or non-burning baby shampoo (make sure to dilute the soap solution 1/10 with water first). Gently and repeatedly rub along the lid margins while eyes are closed.
3. Antibiotic reduction of lid margin bacteria (at the discretion of your physician): After lid margin cleaning, spread small amount of prescription antibiotic ophthalmic ointment with finger tip along lid fissure while eyes closed. Use prior to bed time as opposed to in the morning to avoid blurry vision.

This article is for informational purposes only. Do NOT diagnose or treat without seeing or talking to your eye or other health professional.