Treatment of blepharitis depends on the origin and contributing factors to the condition. Blepharitis, or inflamed eyelids, may be associated with a bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection and may be accompanied by redness, irritation, and a flaky yellowish crust along the eyelids.
Two forms, anterior and posterior, designate the area and origin of inflammation. Anterior blepharitis affects the exterior front eyelids where the eye lashes attach. Posterior blepharitis suggests dysfunction of the oil-producing meibomian glands within the eyelids. Both forms can occur at the same time.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Blepharitis falls under the broad range of skin conditions know collectively as eczema, including the closely related seborrheic dermatitis (also known as dandruff or "cradle cap" in babies). Seborrheic dermatitis affects the oily areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are present, primarily the scalp, face, and upper trunk; whereas seborrheic blepharitis affects the oil-secreting meibomian glands in the eyelids.
Symptoms of blepharitis, in general, may include crusting, flaking, itching, redness, irritation, foreign body sensation, tearing, and burning. A yellowish crust along the eyelids suggests glandular action.
Seborrheic blepharitis sometimes occurs in people with weakened immune systems. Certain types of yeast or fungi that feed on oils may contribute to seborrheic blepharitis. Antifungal foods and herbs, as well as immune-boosting foods and supplements, may help treat seborrheic yeast overgrowth symptoms.
Treatments of Blepharitis
Eye doctors commonly diagnose blepharitis, but have difficulty recommending treatment options for permanent relief of symptoms. Treatment options depend on the origin of and contributing factors to the condition and may include
- eyelid hygiene (see below),
- medication,
- antibiotic,
- antifungal,
- omega-3 fatty acids, and
- immune support.
Conventional treatment of chronic blepharitis typically consists of a regimen of eyelid hygiene with commercially-prepared lid scrubs and cleansing agents, along with topical or oral medication in some cases.
In cases of anterior bacterial (staphylococcal or other) blepharitis, a topical antibiotic applied to the eyelids may be prescribed. Untreated bacterial or viral infection can lead to further complications including thickened eye lid margins, dilated capillaries, and corneal erosion.
In cases of posterior (seborrheic, rosacea, or glandular) blepharitis, nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, may support healthy function of meibomian glands.
Eyelid Hygiene for Blepharitis
- Apply a warm wet washcloth to the eyelids to loosen crusts
- Use a cotton swab moistened with a cleaning agent such as coconut oil to gently remove crusts
- Cleanse daily or as needed.
Permanent treatment of blepharitis may be difficult, but ongoing eyelid hygiene, nutritional and immune-boosting supplements, and medications can help keep symptoms manageable. To properly treat blepharitis, it's important to determine the origin of and contributing factors in each case.
Sources:
- Haddrill, Marilyn and Brian Chou, OD. "Blepharitis." AllAboutVision.com, Retrieved Apr 2011.
- Hay RJ, Graham-Brown RA. "Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Causes and Management." Clin Exp Dermatol. 1997.
- Wikler JR, Janssen N, Bruynzeel DP, Nieboer C. "The effect of UV-light on Pityrosporum Yeasts: Ultrastructural Changes and Inhibition of Growth". Acta Derm Venereol. 1990.
- Sundene, Nicole, N.D. "Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, Dandruff, and Itchy Scalp." KitchenTableMedicine.com, 2008.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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